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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The technique is showing because Paul’s learning to use all his tools — the size, the strength, the reach from his arm length, which creates a 7-foot-6 wingspan.—
Omar Kelly
October 29,
Miami Herald,
29 Oct. 2025 -
But while Wikipedia users can directly edit a story, Grokipedia offers tools to ask questions and submit a correction.—
NPR,
NPR,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
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My values include the beliefs that all of our students should feel safe, respected, and valued in our schools, that decisions should be made on the best available evidence and data, that our kids are not political pawns, that inclusion creates opportunity, and that schools shouldn’t ban books.—
Grace Tucker,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
15 Oct. 2025
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Remember the big picture, people, and stop using taxpayers as pawns, or worse yet, collateral damage.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
15 Oct. 2025
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“Lay figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20figure. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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