figure out

verb

figured out; figuring out; figures out
Synonyms of figure outnext

transitive verb

1
: discover, determine
try to figure out a way to do it
2
: solve, fathom
figure out a problem

Synonyms of figure out

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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.
There’s also a twitchy paranoia at play, since Ethan and Ivy, as outsiders, inevitably spark a turf war as various warring factions try to figure out who is killing their men. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026 Staff is still figuring out logistics, including when to mail out the checks. — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026 From Larry’s perspective, though, there was nothing to figure out. — Blake J. Harris, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026 The Trojans figured out how to overachieve in every area that was considered a weakness entering the matchup. — Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for figure out

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of figure out was in 1825

Rhymes for figure out

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Browse Nearby Words

figure on
figure out
figurer
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Cite this Entry

“Figure out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/figure%20out. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

figure out

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