Thesaurus results for LAY FIGURE

lay figure

noun

Definition of lay figure

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

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay figure

Noun

There’s the plush seating area for makeup, hair, and comfortable waiting, of course, but there’s also a bathroom replete with outlets for styling tools and with multiple sinks.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
This year's prizes began with the Nobel for medicine, awarded Monday to three scientists whose work led to a tool that uses light to help unravel how the brain works.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of tool

Noun

As Melinda points out later, Flora is a pawn of Carla’s and Morgan’s in every respect.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
The commission’s decision means that filming — on a set featuring a fictional Minneapolis pawn shop and Korean grocery store — can recommence.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 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.

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lay eyes on

lay figure

lay figures

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“Lay figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20figure. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of lay figure

noun

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