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.
That was the original plan for the 38th overall pick in the most recent NBA Draft, but the Pacers had to figure out some other transactions first. — Tony East, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 As the Cowboys try to figure out which outside linebackers to keep on the roster going into Sunday, they may have just been afforded a loophole to keep Sam Williams and Marist Liufau. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026 The difficult cases are those that require an expert to examine measurements, figure out what went wrong, and decide which setting to adjust. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026 Gayer’s primary concern now is figuring out how to grow the company in an efficient and sustainable way. — Brad Quick, CNBC, 28 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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