figure out

verb

figured out; figuring out; figures out

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.
On the advice of Wicked co-star Ariana Grande, Erivo met with Republic Records co-president/COO Wendy Goldstein to discuss her strengths and figure out a path forward. Stephen Daw, Billboard, 2 June 2025 Now the Royals must figure out how Cameron fits in their staff going forward, with righty Seth Lugo coming off the injured list Friday and lefty Cole Ragans expected back this week. Messes: Alvarez not returning, after all Yordan Alvarez was expected to be back this week. Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 2 June 2025 The willingness to begin before everything's figured out separates those who transform industries from those who merely participate in them. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 When the former’s husband is murdered, the sisters come together to figure out what happened and why. Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for figure out

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of figure out was in 1600

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Figure out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/figure%20out. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

figure out

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

More from Merriam-Webster on figure out

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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