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
Sample collection lasted about three to four years just for Cretaceous rocks, while another four to five were spent on the overlying rock that shows when mammals lived at the site after the dinosaurs went extinct.
—
Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
There is no overlying narration from witnesses or law experts.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025
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
During the extraction of the overlying rock, which spans many miles and dates to the Early Jurassic period, fossil footprints such as these can be found.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlie
Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
There is no overlying narration from witnesses or law experts.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025
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
During the extraction of the overlying rock, which spans many miles and dates to the Early Jurassic period, fossil footprints such as these can be found.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlie
Verb
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There are weak patches, but the four actors (Wilde, MVP Seth Rogen, Edward Norton and Penélope Cruz) keep it buoyant, with a crackling energy that makes the endless streams of overlapping talk play like jazz.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
31 Jan. 2026
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However, this interjection increases the probability of overlapping or even conflicting instructions to vendors.—
Kelly G. Richardson,
Oc Register,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Sustainable battery design To develop the carbon spheres, Elsaesser and his research team drew inspiration from Mozartkugeln, the iconic Austrian confections made of pistachio, marzipan, and nougat and coated in dark chocolate.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Feb. 2026
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Add cabbage and toss with tongs to coat.—
Gretchen McKay,
Twin Cities,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Iran is seeking to focus talks on its longstanding nuclear dispute with Western powers, while the United States wants the agenda to also cover Tehran's ballistic missile program, its alleged backing of armed groups across the Middle East, and its domestic human rights record.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
5 Feb. 2026
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Grubb saw that the right side of Chabolla’s face was covered in a thick gel, with bright red skin underneath.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlie. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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