Thesaurus results for LAY FIGURE

lay figure

noun

Definition of lay figure

as in tool

one that is or can be used to further the purposes of another the novel's characters are not fully fleshed humans, but are simply lay figures strutted out to serve as mouthpieces for conflicting points of view

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Noun

There are several other, safer ways law enforcement can prevent a vehicle from fleeing besides physically blocking its path, such as using spike strips and other tools that can deflate tires, the former chief said.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
This is a smart time to update a rate, ask for better tools, or stop absorbing costs that are not yours.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026

Definition of tool

Noun

Always sort through things that have been in storage for a while, and also scan through jewelry to look for maker’s marks and precious metal symbols to help identify pieces that are better suited for a pawn shop or estate sale.

— Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 15 July 2026
Personnel is what’s important, but Scaloni treats his players as people, not as pawns on a chessboard.

— James Horncastle, New York Times, 14 July 2026

Definition of pawn

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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lay eyes on

lay figure

lay figures

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“Lay figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20figure. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of lay figure

noun

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