as in tools
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 figures
Noun
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Mendoza said that the search had been exceedingly difficult without the right tools.
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The Drug Enforcement Administration does have those tools, and sometimes works with Brennan's office to investigate cases.
Noun
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Gulf governments, meanwhile, have dabbled abroad as well, while trying to address grievances among their own Shia populations to prevent them from becoming pawns of Tehran.
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The organization is treating these athletes as political pawns instead of as young people with their own families, goals, futures and careers to think about.
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“Lay figures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20figures. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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