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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And so there was all sorts of overlapping.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
14 Feb. 2026
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Since emotional pain overlaps with physical pain in the brain, Yovell said some treatment options overlap, too.—
Kyra Dahring,
CNN Money,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Beyond cost and cleanliness In conventional battery production, active materials, carbon additives and binders are mixed into a wet slurry, coated onto metal foil and dried.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Feb. 2026
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Dip each marshmallow in butter, then in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The debate over what the statute covers is playing out in the streets, with videos showing arguments between observers and federal agents about what conduct is legal and what isn’t.—
Isabelle Chapman,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
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Bishop Joseph Williams of the Diocese of Camden, covering southern New Jersey and its Philadelphia suburbs, announced the settlement Tuesday in a letter.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlie. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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