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.
Humans have figured out the forces behind planetary motion and the Irish potato famine, yet most canker sores remain something of a mystery, even while affecting 25% of people worldwide. Matt Fuchs, TIME, 26 Feb. 2025 Blending Human And Artificial Intelligence CEOs will need to figure out how to blend human and artificial intelligence to create the kind of collective intelligence that can unlock value creation for their organizations. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 Redditors came out in droves to try to figure out why someone would place their shoes in the unusual spot. Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025 And now — on top of all of that — money that helps doctors and scientists across the country figure out a path forward for Cailen appears to be at risk. Rachel Clarke, CNN, 25 Feb. 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 3 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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