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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Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay figure
Noun
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This capability—combined with tools like protein folding simulations—has opened the door to faster, more efficient drug development pipelines.—
Tomoko Yokoi,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025 -
Short passwords — think six or eight characters — can be cracked in minutes by modern hacking tools.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
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What began as economic policy is rapidly devolving into diplomatic grudge-holding, with everyday items becoming pawns in an escalating game of international spite.—
Jackie Snow,
Quartz,
7 Apr. 2025
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Each decision—something as seemingly small as moving a pawn—can shift the course of the entire game.—
Nuno Fernandes,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Lay figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20figure. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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