lay figures

plural of lay figure
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
  • These tools can support both dynamic and personalized pricing.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Those tools include apps that allow individuals to receive cash in between paychecks and are costing them hundreds of dollars each year in fees, according to a recent report.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Ownership is not in bankruptcy, is contesting the foreclosure in court, has offered the lender any and every constructive solution, but will not allow these tenants to be further used as pawns.
    — Lisa Rozner, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Melton was a Mountain West All-Academic pick who today is an avid chess player, moving pawns on his phone or going toe-to-toe with Justin Verlander in the middle of the clubhouse.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

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

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