lay figure

Definition of lay figurenext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay figure
Noun
  • Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon, as well as harsh chemicals and abrasive tools, to protect the glaze.
    Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The country's largest school district now has some of the strictest guidelines around younger students using artificial intelligence tools in school — at least, temporarily.
    Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • There are low-budget neon casinos, pawn shops, all-night wedding chapels, and jewelry exchanges promising top dollar for coins, bullion, and scrap.
    Jeff Weiss, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026
  • She can be seen in surveillance footage purchasing a gun and ammunition from a local pawn shop before stopping for gas at a convenience store.
    Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Aug. 2026
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lay figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20figure. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster