as in to store
to put (something of future use or value) in a safe or secret place
be sure to lay in enough food for the long Alaska winter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of lay in
The real challenge lay in the mental aspects, the steep learning curve of a new sport.
—
Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
By July 23, the lawn had vanished entirely, replaced by stone tiles laid in a diamond pattern.
—Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2025
That moment would come in October, but the foundation is laid in ebbs and flows during the season.
—Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2025
About a year ago, the now 25-year-old was laying in bed with her boyfriend and immediately shot up.
—David Oliver, USA Today, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay in
Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
By July 23, the lawn had vanished entirely, replaced by stone tiles laid in a diamond pattern.
—Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2025
That moment would come in October, but the foundation is laid in ebbs and flows during the season.
—Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2025
About a year ago, the now 25-year-old was laying in bed with her boyfriend and immediately shot up.
—David Oliver, USA Today, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay in
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay in
Verb
-
Carbon credit monetization – Forward-looking companies are already earning credits by capturing and storing emissions, feeding into voluntary and compliance carbon markets.—
Peter Bendor-Samuel,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Hospitals can store medical records, lab results, imaging scans, and real time feeds from bedside monitors in a single hub.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Try to freeze enough for a few days for peace of mind, but no need to stash weeks and weeks of frozen milk.—
Wendy Wisner,
Parents,
17 Sep. 2025
-
There’s the supremely gentle shampoo, conditioner, and body wash to stock in your shower, the hand soap to leave on your bathroom sink, and detergent for your laundry room, the creams and lotions for every inch of your skin, and the mist to stash in your bag for on-the-go relief.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Walking up the eighteenth hole, Woad laid up into the par-5 finisher before sticking a 3/4 wedge to 2 feet to seal the tournament.—
Mike Fore,
Forbes.com,
27 July 2025
-
Female moths can lay up to 500 eggs at a time.7 Pantry moths are most destructive in their larval stage, so discouraging this stage will help prevent the infestation from spreading.—
Lauren Wicks,
Southern Living,
19 July 2025
Video
Lay vs. Lie
Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.
Cite this Entry
“Lay in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20in. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share