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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Crashes, luge athletes will tell you, are part of the game, a necessary teaching tool that helps young lugers learn how to navigate sliding on their back down an icy course, sometimes faster than 90 miles per hour.—
Lindsay Schnell,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026 -
The Enquirer's Neighborhood Snapshot project is an interactive, online tool for Cincinnatians to better understand their city and its neighborhoods.—
David Ferrara,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Alice’s former friend and cousin, Kurt (Chamberlain), a bearded symbol of what might still be for Alice minus Edgar, but who ends up being little more than a pawn in their toxic, psychological games.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Feb. 2026
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Clinton, whose relationship with Epstein has been subject to public scrutiny, said his desire for a public hearing is out of respect for Epstein’s victims and claimed Comer, who presides over the committee, is using Clinton as a political pawn.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Feb. 2026
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“Lay figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20figure. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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