figure out

verb

figured out; figuring out; figures out

transitive verb

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

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.
The 29-year-old is figuring out when and how to join the rush, with six goals and nine assists, and was leading the NHL with a plus-22 at the time of his injury. Michael Russo, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025 She’s even created a TikTok filter that makes figuring out your own contrast level easier. Laura Solla, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2025 Another example was when someone figured out how to prank Chevy’s AI chatbots. Gary Drenik, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 If the defense can get figured out and the offense can continue to improve, the Panthers will be in the conversation for the NFC South division crown in 2025 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for figure out 

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of figure out was in 1600

Dictionary Entries Near figure out

Cite this Entry

“Figure out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/figure%20out. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

figure out

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

More from Merriam-Webster on figure out

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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