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

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay figure
Noun
  • Better monitoring tools can help farmers identify disease threats earlier and avoid expensive eradication campaigns.
    — Robert Kelly, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • While federal scientists have created a national model to assess the likelihood of post-fire debris flows, communities don’t have an easily accessible tool to gauge their risk of post-fire flooding.
    — Abe Streep, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The problem is Harry already left it with another pawn shop owner.
    — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Or attempting to sell an urn at a pawn shop, only to accidentally spill the ashes inside it on the floor.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 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.

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Cite this Entry

“Lay figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20figure. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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