1
as in to overlap
to lie over parts of one another
the puzzle pieces overlay one another in complete disarray on the floor
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to coat
to form a layer over
there will be freezing rain tonight, so we can expect to find a thick layer of ice overlying the car windshield in the morning
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of overlie
As Taylor Glacier slides downstream, the overlying ice mass compresses the subglacial channels, building up tremendous pressure.
—
Simone Valesini, Wired News, 24 Feb. 2026
The peak itself is the glaciated remains of an old volcano, overlying the granite block which dominates the Sierra farther south, according to the Donner Summit Association.
—Lauren Chapman, Sacbee.com, 18 Feb. 2026
However, those sea surface temperatures will be far warmer than the overlying air temperatures.
—Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Contaminated sediment can release PFAS back into the overlying water, where fish and aquatic birds can ingest it.
—Christy Remucal, The Conversation, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overlie
Simone Valesini, Wired News, 24 Feb. 2026
The peak itself is the glaciated remains of an old volcano, overlying the granite block which dominates the Sierra farther south, according to the Donner Summit Association.
—Lauren Chapman, Sacbee.com, 18 Feb. 2026
However, those sea surface temperatures will be far warmer than the overlying air temperatures.
—Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Contaminated sediment can release PFAS back into the overlying water, where fish and aquatic birds can ingest it.
—Christy Remucal, The Conversation, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overlie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlie
Verb
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Analysis of zinc isotopes preserved in fossilized shark teeth, published in Nature Communications in 2022, found that when great white sharks and megalodon coexisted during the Pliocene, their diets overlapped significantly, both feeding high up the same food chain on marine mammals.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
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Sporty sneakers are one category where my mom and I regularly overlap, and this sporty pair from Vepose would absolutely cause a borrowing dispute.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
19 June 2026
Verb
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Thoroughly coat the inside of the bucket with baby powder.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
17 June 2026
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Simply coat your protein an hour or two before cooking to yield tender, juicy bites.—
Joey Skladany,
Southern Living,
17 June 2026
Verb
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Lynch organized the GoFundMe campaign on Monday to cover immediate expenses and create college funds for the couple’s son and daughter.—
Reeti Malhotra,
Sacbee.com,
18 June 2026
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The additional killing of Vergata is covered by Heuermann's plea agreement, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said.—
Alexa Herrera,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlie. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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