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
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And Marcus Wheatland, known as the doctor of the swells, was a medical practitioner and a pioneer of X-rays as a diagnostic tool.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
8 July 2025 -
For many, this trend is both logical and necessary: the skill sets, tools and time required to defend against modern threats are out of reach for many lean internal teams.—
Nolan Garrett,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Noun
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As something of a pawn in the game of tactical chess between Ferreira and Paiva, the broad conclusion was that the experiment did not quite work out for the teenager.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
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Investigators reported finding a receipt matching those items sold to a pawn shop, where Tate provided his Tennessee driver’s license to conduct the transaction, according to the report.—
Olivia Lloyd,
Charlotte Observer,
18 June 2025
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“Lay figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20figure. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
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