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
This upward surge of water fractured the overlying ice sheet, creating new channels for the water to escape.
—
Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 31 July 2025
That heat is left over from the planet’s formation and is sustained by radioactive decay and pressure from the overlying layers.
—Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 9 July 2025
Geologists have long suspected that Afar is underlain by a mantle plume, a pillar of upwelling hot material that is helping to drive apart the overlying crust.
—Ian Randall, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
This finding indicates that the ecosystem was no longer being sustained by the nutrients from the hydrothermal system being released into the overlying ocean.
—David Bressan, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlie
Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 31 July 2025
That heat is left over from the planet’s formation and is sustained by radioactive decay and pressure from the overlying layers.
—Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 9 July 2025
Geologists have long suspected that Afar is underlain by a mantle plume, a pillar of upwelling hot material that is helping to drive apart the overlying crust.
—Ian Randall, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
This finding indicates that the ecosystem was no longer being sustained by the nutrients from the hydrothermal system being released into the overlying ocean.
—David Bressan, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlie
Verb
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In this antic era, Lost Lambs offers an update on Pynchonesque paranoia, featuring lonely people in anonymous suburbs who get drawn into overlapping conspiracies that crisscross the map.—
Niela Orr,
Vulture,
13 Jan. 2026
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Wahnee said his role is often to help survivors navigate overlapping jurisdictions and locate services when records, funding, or authority are fragmented across tribal, state, and federal lines.—
Stephen Martin,
Oklahoma Watch,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Pour flour in a plastic bag, season with salt and pepper, and drop the breasts in to coat.—
Gretchen McKay,
Twin Cities,
22 Jan. 2026
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The nuggets are made from all-white meat chicken marinated in jalapeño buttermilk and coated with a blend of breadcrumbs and tortilla chips.—
Sabrina Weiss,
PEOPLE,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Smaller plants can be placed inside a terrarium or a frame covered in strong netting or chicken wire.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
22 Jan. 2026
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Simple preventive steps like disconnecting hoses, covering faucets, insulating pipes, and knowing how to shut off water can help homeowners avoid emergencies altogether.—
Sergio Candido,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlie. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
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