superimpose

verb

su·​per·​im·​pose ˌsü-pər-im-ˈpōz How to pronounce superimpose (audio)
superimposed; superimposing; superimposes

transitive verb

: to place or lay over or above something
superimposed images
superimposition noun

Did you know?

Superimposition was one of the magical effects employed by early filmmakers. Using "mirror shots", with semitransparent mirrors set at 45° angles to the scene, they would superimpose shadowy images of ghosts or scenes from a character's past onto scenes from the present. Superimposing your own ideas on something, such as a historical event, has to be done carefully, since your ideas may change whenever you learn something new about the event.

Examples of superimpose in a Sentence

A triangle superimposed on an inverted triangle forms a six-pointed star.
Recent Examples on the Web Fans of both the show and Gaga superimposed the tune over a scene where Wednesday, the character with whom the program shares its name, dances in a memorable and rather funny manner. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 Karen Clark and Company, a disaster modeling firm that uses computer simulations superimposed on storm and insurance data, wouldn't give total damage estimates for the storms. CBS News, 17 Oct. 2024 Karen Clark and Company, a disaster modeling firm that uses computer simulations superimposed on storm and insurance data, wouldn’t give total damage estimates for the storms. Seth Borenstein, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2024 But to win out over 500 other kids and have her design of an eagle superimposed over the United States flag printed on a run of 100,000 stickers had her mouth gaping. Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 5 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for superimpose 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'superimpose.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of superimpose was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near superimpose

Cite this Entry

“Superimpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superimpose. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

superimpose

verb
su·​per·​im·​pose ˌsü-pə-rim-ˈpōz How to pronounce superimpose (audio)
: to place or lay over or above something
superimposition noun

More from Merriam-Webster on superimpose

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