lay figures

plural of lay figure
as in tools
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 figures
Noun
  • Issue 3 would allow these projects to be financed through district revenues, bonds and other financial tools.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Amazon is always chock-full of deals on seasonal clothing, multifunctional cleaning tools, and buzzy beauty products, but Prime members can unlock even more savings.
    — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Ownership is not in bankruptcy, is contesting the foreclosure in court, has offered the lender any and every constructive solution, but will not allow these tenants to be further used as pawns.
    — Lisa Rozner, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Melton was a Mountain West All-Academic pick who today is an avid chess player, moving pawns on his phone or going toe-to-toe with Justin Verlander in the middle of the clubhouse.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
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Cite this Entry

“Lay figures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20figures. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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