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.
Once scientists figure out how to incorporate this technology into safe, effective, and scalable treatments, the treatment paradigm for psoriasis—and for many chronic diseases—will change dramatically. Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2025 Since then, police have asked for the public’s help figuring out what happened to her, calling her Baby Jane Doe. Saleen Martin, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025 That gave them a few months to figure out the center of their film. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 3 Apr. 2025 Sometimes, people have done their homework and have already, with the help of a divorce lawyer, figured out what a reasonable settlement would be. Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 3 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Figure out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/figure%20out. Accessed 7 Apr. 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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