Lay figure
Lay figure noun - One that is or can be used to further the purposes of another.
Usage example: 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
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Synonyms for Lay figure
Tool and lay figure are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Tool" instead a noun phrase "Lay figure".
Tool
Tool noun - One that is or can be used to further the purposes of another.
Usage example: a ruthless leader using his trusting followers as tools in his quest for power
Cite this Source
Tool and Lay figure. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 01, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/lay_figure/tool
Lay figure & Tool. N.p., 2016. Web. 01 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/lay_figure/tool>.
Tool or Lay figure. 2016. Accessed August 01, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/lay_figure/tool.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "lay figure" and "tool" have occurred on timeline