1
2
as in outline
a line that traces the outer limits of an object or surface
we could gradually see the figure of a ship coming our way through the fog
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in celebrity
a person who is widely known and usually much talked about
figures from the worlds of sport and entertainment will be guests at the White House dinner
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in doll
a small statue
painted wooden figures by untrained artists can be quite valuable on today's antiques market
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
6
7
as in diagram
something that visually explains or decorates a text
the layout editor could have done a better job of getting the figures on the same page as the specific portion of text that they are intended to illustrate
Synonyms & Similar Words
8
as in price
the amount of money that is demanded as payment for something
a number of the paintings at the auction sold at figures far higher than had been estimated
Synonyms & Similar Words
9
as in shape
the outward appearance of something as distinguished from its substance
the ice sculpture at the banquet was in the figure of an eagle spreading its wings
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
10
11
as in calculation
figures plural
the act or process of performing mathematical operations to find a value
a person with a good head for figures
Synonyms & Similar Words
12
as in look
the outward form of someone or something especially as indicative of a quality
unshaven and dirty, he presents a sorry figure
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to decide
to come to a judgment about after discussion or consideration
we figured that we had better arrive early at the concert in order to get good seats
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to estimate
to decide the size, amount, number, or distance of (something) without actual measurement
let's figure the juice in the pan to be about a cup and just add it to the mix
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to calculate
to determine (a value) by doing the necessary mathematical operations
the car dealer figured that our monthly car payment would be $357
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to think
to have as an opinion
the father figures that girls should have the same athletic opportunities as boys and supports his daughter's interest in soccer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of figure
Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2025
Under a 1981 appropriations bill, HHS is required annually to take Census Bureau poverty-line figures, adjust them for inflation, and create guidelines that agencies and states use to determine who is eligible for various types of help.
—Arthur Allen, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025
Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
Even if the Penguins can rid themselves of Letang or Karlsson’s contract, at least one of them figures to be back next season.
—Josh Yohe, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for figure
Noun
According to figures released by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) on February 16 at least 157 journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza, and many more injured, since the beginning of the war.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2025
Under a 1981 appropriations bill, HHS is required annually to take Census Bureau poverty-line figures, adjust them for inflation, and create guidelines that agencies and states use to determine who is eligible for various types of help.
—Arthur Allen, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
Taillon had been a little under the weather the last few days and figured the Cubs wouldn’t push him too much.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
Even if the Penguins can rid themselves of Letang or Karlsson’s contract, at least one of them figures to be back next season.
—Josh Yohe, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for figure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for figure
Noun
-
Entering play, Hicks had touched triple digits on two occasions during his time with the Giants.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
17 Apr. 2025
-
In some cases, the high temperatures could break daily and monthly records, with National Weather Service (NWS) offices in some local forecast regions warning of triple digit temperatures.—
Kevin Sabet,
Newsweek,
24 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Is someone wearing steel-toed boots, a colored armband, and a hearing device, and also showing the outline of handcuffs in their pocket?—
Louryn Strampe,
Wired News,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Highlight details are preserved in bright, snowy nature shots, letting wisps of clouds and the outlines of distant hills be easily seen against the white skies and laying snow.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The firm specialized in celebrity, events and brands and maintained offices in L.A. and New York.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2025
-
The network has ordered Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service, which will see the celebrity chef go undercover to rescue America’s filthiest restaurants.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
According to Mattel, the team worked closely with James to personalize the doll's outfit.—
Annabelle Canela,
Parents,
9 Apr. 2025
-
The company also totes the American Girl dolls in its portfolio.—
Jenny Goldsberry,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Rolls of satin were stacked under a worktable; a mannequin in a strapless gown made of Chantilly lace stood near an armoire.—
Adam Iscoe,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2025
-
Pedestrians walk past a Nike store featuring a modern design and mannequins displaying winter apparel on December 5, 2024, in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.—
Gabrielle Fonrouge,
CNBC,
20 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Their rebellious sweaters featuring Moldovan folk motifs paired with baggy cargos offer a fresh take on heritage-meets-hype.—
Cassell Ferere,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Some of the key graphics include diamond motifs, horizontal stripes, four-directional crosses placed within each diamond and zig-zag patterns reminiscent of the desert mountain landscapes.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Valdés drew this art from antique maps and navigational diagrams from the Hispanic Society of America and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.—
Robin Raven,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
-
One of these diagrams, Pronouns in American Sign Language, 2020, usually hangs on a wall in my apartment.—
Mara Mills,
Artforum,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
As aircraft technology improved and planes became larger and safer, new fare classes were introduced, allowing for the democratization of ticket prices and making air travel accessible to all and sundry.—
Oren Hartov,
Robb Report,
28 Mar. 2025
-
While many passengers have successfully secured upgrades at a fraction of the retail price, there’s no guarantee that your bid will be accepted.—
Bailey Berg,
AFAR Media,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figure. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share