figure
Diagram or numeral
If you’re good at numbers, the first meaning of figure that comes to mind may be about them: the published figures confirm the upward trend.
If you’re more concerned with your appearance, figure might call to mind the shape of your, or of anyone’s, body.
A figure can also be the shape of anything, such as a geometric figure.
In music, a figure is an identifiable and usually repeating theme.
As a verb, figure usually teams up with a smaller word to give particular meanings, such as figure out (determine or calculate) or figure in (take account of).
Single numeric character
statistic · calculation · percentage · decimal · fraction · integer · equation · formula
Establish through investigation
- calculateDetermine through math
- solveFind the answer
- work outExercise or solve
- reasonBasis or justification
conclude · reckon · estimate · compute · surmise · puzzle out · decipher · unravel
Filled-in outline shape
- outlineSummary of key elements
- contourBounding line of shape
- formShape or document
- profileSide-facing outline
hourglass · physique · proportions · curves · frame · build · torso · posture
Data shown visually
- graphVisual data display
- illustrationPicture explaining something
- drawingMarks forming a picture
- schematicSimplified technical diagram
table · infographic · visual · exhibit · appendix · caption · legend · reference
Shaped three-dimensional art
- bronzeCopper-tin alloy
- marbleRecrystallized limestone rock
- statuetteMiniature sculpted figure
- bustFailure or sculpture
carving · monument · pedestal · mannequin · collectible · porcelain · ceramic · terracotta
Implied identity comparison
- symbolismRepresenting concepts through images
- allegorySymbolic tale with deeper meaning
- personificationAttributing humanity to non-humans
- ironyMeaning opposite to words
hyperbole · simile · imagery · trope · analogy · oxymoron · metonymy · synecdoche
digit
Single numeric character
total · statistic · calculation · percentage · decimal · fraction · integer · equation · formula · price
determine
Establish through investigation
reason · conclude · reckon · estimate · compute · surmise · puzzle out · decipher · unravel · ascertain
silhouette
Filled-in outline shape
profile · hourglass · physique · proportions · curves · frame · build · torso · posture · stance
chart
Data shown visually
- graphVisual data display
- illustrationPicture explaining something
- drawingMarks forming a picture
schematic · table · infographic · visual · exhibit · appendix · caption · legend · reference · plot
sculpture
Shaped three-dimensional art
bust · carving · monument · pedestal · mannequin · collectible · porcelain · ceramic · terracotta · miniature
metaphor
Implied identity comparison
- symbolismRepresenting concepts through images
- allegorySymbolic tale with deeper meaning
- personificationAttributing humanity to non-humans
irony · hyperbole · simile · imagery · trope · analogy · oxymoron · metonymy · synecdoche · apostrophe
waltz
Dance in three-quarter time
ballet · ballroom · skating · choreography · step · spin · turn · pattern · routine · sequence
celebrity
Widely recognized public figure
personality · VIP · icon · leader · pioneer · visionary · mogul · tycoon · authority · hero
- artfine art, Renaissance, painters, masterpieces, paint
- beautymakeup, cosmetics, lipstick, mascara, eyeliner
- appearancelooks, attractive, features, beautiful, complexion
- countingcounting, count, count up, countdown, tally
- sculpturestatue, sculpture, sculptor, sculpting, bronze
- data visualschart, graph, diagram, infographic, table
figurenobody
Inconsequential person
nonentity · noncelebrity · unknown · commoner · average Joe
figureground
Solid surface underfoot
background · field · surround · negative space · context
figureshapelessness
Lack of distinct form
formlessness · amorphousness · blob · mass · bulk
- figure outDetermine through reasoning
- figured outUnderstood after effort
- figure it outDetermine through reasoning
- figuring outReaching understanding through thought
- stick figureSimplified human drawing
- father figureMale role model
figures, figured, figuring, figurine, disfigured, disfigure, configuration, figurative, configure