figuring out

verb

present participle of figure out
as in solving
to find an answer for through reasoning a book of brainteasers that even a really clever person won't have an easy time figuring out

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of figuring out More and more people are growing out and leaning into their shimmering silver, and the only thing cooler than embracing the color is figuring out the haircut that makes the most of it in a way that’s very you. — Marci Robin, Allure, 17 July 2026 For the average swim instructor, who may be teaching up to 10 children at a time and may not have training in supporting autistic children, figuring out how to meet individual needs can be a challenge. — Tana Carson, The Conversation, 17 July 2026 Then, just like now, the genre was figuring out what its modern identity was supposed to be in the wake of the latest hip-hop makeover. — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 11 July 2026 For most of us, wedding-gift etiquette is figuring out whether the newlyweds already have a blender. — Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2026 The effective use, figuring out the right prompting strategy is extremely important for people to understand. — Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 From here, the team is figuring out the best ways to integrate the necessary additional components without making MIR any larger. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 June 2026 For anyone figuring out how to improve gut health, that points right back to those same whole foods. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026 Part of the delight of doing something so intimate is figuring out the scale of your performance. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 18 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for figuring out
  1. solving
  2. unraveling
  3. answering
  4. working out
  5. resolving
Verb
  • Goh believes Southeast Asian cinema’s next breakthrough will depend not only on growing global interest, but also on solving longstanding financing and distribution challenges.
    — Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 24 July 2026
  • Lady criminals take advantage of this illegibility for their own gain—unlike lady detectives, who are preoccupied with solving crimes, helping others, and restoring justice.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 July 2026
Definition of solving
Verb
  • The story begins after her death, with Faye waking in the Everywhen to find her protective plans for Kratos and Atreus unraveling, facing antagonists like Sekhmet.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
  • Irsay-Gordon, however, likened the Colts’ unraveling to pressing pause on a movie.
    — James Boyd, New York Times, 23 July 2026
Definition of unraveling
Verb
  • And as of today, most institutional investors have no framework for answering them.
    — Martin Whittaker, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Feeling disillusioned and angry, less than two years later in August 2015, Hadley decided to leave her fiancé and stop answering his relentless calls.
    — KC Baker, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026
Definition of answering
Verb
  • The Carolina Panthers are hosting and working out a veteran quarterback this week.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 29 July 2026
  • Rebecca Lessley is still working out the details of her bankruptcy, which will likely include a five-year repayment plan.
    — Stephan Bisaha, NPR, 29 July 2026
Definition of working out
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Rovo can handle some of the heavy lifting of triaging tickets by escalating and fully resolving them.
    — John Brandon, PC Magazine, 24 July 2026
  • Students often receive guidance from several offices before resolving a single issue with each interaction reflecting only part of the larger picture or need.
    — Chase Williams, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of resolving

Browse Nearby Words

figuring on
figuring out
filament
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Figuring out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figuring%20out. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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