lay figure

noun

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

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay figure
  1. tool
  2. pawn
Noun
  • With Liverpool’s Premier League season opener away to Newcastle United four weeks tomorrow, Iraola doesn’t yet have all the tools required to ensure his reign gets off to a flyer.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 25 July 2026
  • Traditional surface-to-air missiles, or SAMs, remain among the most powerful tools available for defending airspace.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 July 2026
Definition of tool
Noun
  • Paradise Pawn is based on her experiences working behind the counter of a pawn shop.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
  • The process feels like a private atelier appointment rather than traditional banking or a pawn shop experience.
    — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 22 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.

Browse Nearby Words

lay eyes on
lay figure
lay figures
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lay figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20figure. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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