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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That would mark the first withdrawal under this tool since February 2025, according to Bloomberg calculations based on the operation plan released late on Friday.—
Bloomberg,
Bloomberg,
27 Apr. 2026 -
Leavitt is still more a collection of tools than a finished product right now, but those tools have first-round upside, to be sure.—
Nick Baumgardner,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The costume is meant to reflect the pawns in a game of chess.—
Olivia Wakim,
AJC.com,
23 Apr. 2026
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Detectives believe additional pawn shops may be involved, and anyone with information was encouraged to contact the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office at 916-874-5115.—
Carlos E. Castañeda,
CBS News,
22 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Lay figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20figure. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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