lay figure

Definition of lay figurenext
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
  • But the list did not include Social Security numbers or other high-level identifying information, so analysts used the public records research tool LexisNexis to further identify people on the list.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The rules ban companion chatbots and require parental opt-in — not just an opt-out option — for direct student use of AI tools.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The problem is Harry already left it with another pawn shop owner.
    — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Or attempting to sell an urn at a pawn shop, only to accidentally spill the ashes inside it on the floor.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
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Cite this Entry

“Lay figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20figure. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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