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
-
Under them, a chatbot must not be able to interact with someone under 18 unless it is programmed against encouraging self-destructive behavior and provides parents with tools to manage the child’s use.
-
Miller-Green previously spent time in the Chicago White Sox organization and attracted national attention because of his remarkable background and rare physical tools.
Noun
-
The Wolf King series will see Aurora, after being abducted from a world that treated her as a decorative pawn, uncovering her own wild strength in the sweeping romantasy.
-
The gang stole pricey items worth millions altogether, and Spilotro opened a pawn shop called the Gold Rush to fence the goods, the Mob Museum reported.
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.
Cite this Entry
“Lay figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20figure. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
