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.
That was the final straw for Van Lith and the Tigers, who never figured out how to optimize her strengths. Sabreena Merchant, The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025 One quickly figures out which friends are open to the world, open to the technology of the 21st Century, and which would prefer to live in 1983, or even 1953. Mark Ewing, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025 How did Cordelia Cupp figure out who killed A.B. Wynter? Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025 On homelessness and other matters, local and state governments will have to figure out how to deal with the shrinking federal social safety net launched nearly a century ago. Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 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 25 Mar. 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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