figure out

verb

figured out; figuring out; figures out
Synonyms of figure outnext

transitive verb

1
: discover, determine
try to figure out a way to do it
2
: solve, fathom
figure out a problem

Examples of figure out in a Sentence

a book of brainteasers that even a really clever person won't have an easy time figuring out
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The book is structured as a quest to figure out why a class of aimless young men in late-Thatcherist Blighty get their kicks out of getting paralytically drunk and bashing one another half to death every weekend. Leander Schaerlaeckens june 8, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026 Bolter sat down with Antosca and pilot director Morten Tyldum to break down the style of Scorsese’s movie and figure out how to adapt it to a longer format. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 8 June 2026 The show also figured out better than any show in recent memory how to adapt itself for a TV broadcast, with the kitties, as costumed by Tony winner Qween Jean, flitted all over the Radio City Musical Hall in New York, this year’s venue for the ceremony. Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026 But with what seems like a Ripper copycat on the loose, everyone needs to put aside their preconceived notions and figure out what’s going on. Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for figure out

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of figure out was in 1825

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Figure out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/figure%20out. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

figure out

verb
1
: find out, discover
try to figure out a way to do it
2
: solve
figure out a problem

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