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
Robert Lea, Space.com, 15 June 2026
Rather, screwworm infestations begin when a female fly lays eggs on a wound or body opening.
—Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 15 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
The fact that much of the region excluded by the team hasn't been explored experimentally lays the groundwork for making precise measurements of gravity to test quantum gravity.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 15 June 2026
Rather, screwworm infestations begin when a female fly lays eggs on a wound or body opening.
—Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 15 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
-
Lola Vice will put her NXT Women’s Championship on the line against Kendal Grey, Myles Borne will defend the NXT North American Championship against Tavion Heights, Wren Sinclair will face a challenger for the WWE Women’s Speed Championship and Saquon Shugars takes on Dion Lennox.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
-
Earlier, a pair of Harry Kane goals — his ninth and 10th at World Cups — had twice put England ahead, only for some sloppy defending and smart attacking play to give Croatia a route back.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
Saudi Arabia was 10 minutes away from upsetting Uruguay, only to settle for a tie.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
-
His father embarked on a number of business ventures, including working as a taxi driver, after the family settled in New York City.—
Kelsie Hoffman,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
My eyes darted back and forth, trying to grasp the imposing silhouette in its entirety.—
Karina Zaiets,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
-
The filing, submitted in the San Diego County Superior Court, seeks a judge’s order to condemn and destroy the embargoed kratom products, halt ongoing unlawful manufacturing and impose civil penalties.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad was preparing for an electronic signing, to be followed by technical-level talks in the coming week.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
15 June 2026
-
Because Simon’s already got this prepared.—
Carita Rizzo,
Deadline,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
The base, spread across parts of Kern, Los Angeles and San Bernadino counties, is located about 100 miles north of Los Angeles.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
-
The Bundibugyo ebolavirus outbreak in Congo, which has spread to neighboring Uganda, is causing serious concern among health officials.—
Kiki Intarasuwan,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
Past performances do not guarantee success in the future and betting odds fluctuate from one minute to the next.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
-
But Rose bet that a less gruff voice, ultimately Mike Brown’s, was required to win it all.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
In line with the science of his time, which said that lunar craters were volcanic, Verne ascribes his flickering light to an eruption.—
Neil Oseman,
Space.com,
14 June 2026
-
Name three positive and three negative qualities someone else would ascribe to you.—
Dr. Marcus Collins,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Islamic law requires the deceased to be buried as soon as possible, and ideally within 24 hours of death, but exceptions are allowed, for example in time of war.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
13 June 2026
-
He’ll be buried there at the Imam Reza Shrine, considered the holiest place among Shiite devotees.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 June 2026
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 19 Jun. 2026.
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