1
as in to put
to arrange something in a certain spot or position
just lay the book over there on the table for now
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in to impose
to establish or apply as a charge or penalty
state officials tried to lay a tax on merchandise sold over the Internet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to prepare
to make ready in advance
she's laying plans for the charity auction months ahead of time
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in to spread
to put a layer of on a surface
the mason laid mortar over the first row of bricks before starting the second
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
7
as in to ascribe
to explain (something) as being the result of something else
an electrical fire that was laid to faulty wiring
Synonyms & Similar Words
8
as in to bury
to place (a dead body) in the earth, a tomb, or the sea
lay the corpse to rest
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in ballad
a short musical composition for the human voice often with instrumental accompaniment
she sang a short lay in dedication to her husband
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in work
the activity by which one regularly makes a living
my main lay is as a general contractor, but I do side work as a carpenter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in godless
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of lay
Ciara McCarthy. Produced With Ai Assistance,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 June 2026
Rather, screwworm infestations begin when a female fly lays eggs on a wound or body opening.
—
Mateo Rosiles,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
Robert Rubsam,
The Atlantic,
26 Mar. 2026
There is Muslim representation on the group's advisory board of lay leaders.
—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lay
Verb
That matters because females are the ones laying eggs and spreading larvae.
—
Ciara McCarthy. Produced With Ai Assistance,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 June 2026
Rather, screwworm infestations begin when a female fly lays eggs on a wound or body opening.
—
Mateo Rosiles,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
Adjective
This story is told by an unnamed narrator, an irreligious woman who has joined the nuns as a lay resident after her faith in environmental advocacy crumbled.
—
Robert Rubsam,
The Atlantic,
26 Mar. 2026
There is Muslim representation on the group's advisory board of lay leaders.
—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay
Verb
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In addition to the fear of deportation, the ruling puts thousands of immigrants at risk of losing their work authorization and their jobs, according to a Haitian-American journalist.
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That lawsuit, in part, accuses City Attorney Miko Brown of pushing airport officials to investigate a charter airline's safety record -- not because of genuine safety concerns, but to create legal cover for a city council vote that put $90 million in federal grant money at risk.
Verb
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Delta has denied these allegations and settled Nejat’s lawsuit last year.
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The company agreed to settle the case without admitting liability.
Verb
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Both countries impose severe penalties on LGBTQ people.
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Starting on July 1, the California Department of Parks and Recreation can now impose new penalties on folks who fail to cancel their campsite reservations in a timely manner or fail to show for their reservation.
Verb
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While park conditions can often be dangerous, from high heat to landslides, the key to a safe national park visit is being well-informed and prepared.
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After Alicent’s misunderstanding — which leads to Aegon II claiming the throne — Rhaenyra prepares for war and gathers allies to fight for her rightful claim to the throne.
Verb
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While proudly rooted in Italy, the business today features 260 stores spread across 60 countries, giving it a front-row seat to how the world spectates and celebrates the game.
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Investigators found that initial structural failure spread to other elements of the pool deck and street-level parking garage and caused cracks to grow over the span of a few weeks, eventually unseating the southern edge of the pool deck slab from its supporting wall, the report said.
Verb
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Businesses are betting on the World Cup, night markets and cultural events to revive Olvera Street.
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However, some bitcoin and crypto traders are betting that some of the cash that has entered the system due to the SpaceX IPO could soon be heading toward bitcoin.
Verb
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Context matters for understanding the meaning that many in Argentina ascribed to that goal.
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In line with the science of his time, which said that lunar craters were volcanic, Verne ascribes his flickering light to an eruption.
Verb
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Minnesota Department of Transportation A pile of hailstones buried a lawn chair in Maple Grove, Minnesota.
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There is a second worry buried in the FSB report, quieter but arguably sharper.
Video
Lay vs. Lie
Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.
Cite this Entry
“Lay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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