1
as in to coat
to form a layer over
you should apply a coat of primer first, and then overlay it with two coats of paint
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to overlap
to lie over parts of one another
cedar shingles overlaying one another on the roof
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 overlay
The Specs will use AR technology to let people see and interact with digital imagery that's overlaid over the physical world.
—
Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 10 June 2025
The racing sequences are good, sometimes even great, with footage shot during actual Grands Prix and overlaid with chatter from coverage commentators to explain the strategies and positions of the Apex drivers during each of their nine remaining races.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 26 June 2025
With multiple frequency bands, researchers can overlay data in different colors to reveal more detailed structures around a black hole.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 19 June 2025
Trellis aggregates up to a decade of a woman’s health history from 50,000+ provider sites, re-architecting it around chronology rather than billing codes, then overlays intelligent support.
—Stephen Wunker, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlay
Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 10 June 2025
The racing sequences are good, sometimes even great, with footage shot during actual Grands Prix and overlaid with chatter from coverage commentators to explain the strategies and positions of the Apex drivers during each of their nine remaining races.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 26 June 2025
With multiple frequency bands, researchers can overlay data in different colors to reveal more detailed structures around a black hole.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 19 June 2025
Trellis aggregates up to a decade of a woman’s health history from 50,000+ provider sites, re-architecting it around chronology rather than billing codes, then overlays intelligent support.
—Stephen Wunker, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlay
Verb
-
Products coated with Cōēo can be recycled by CDC Studio and turned into slabs suitable for flooring and design objects.—
Martino Carrera,
Footwear News,
1 July 2025
-
The minute, hour and second rings are made of titanium coated with DLC in three colors: green, blue and black.—
Anthony DeMarco,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Verb
-
This will be a tight turn from the conclusion of the Euros (July 27 final) and AFCON (July 26 final) and overlaps with Copa America (Aug. 2).—
Tamerra Griffin,
New York Times,
7 July 2025
-
Camp Mystic has two sites, both of which overlap with either the floodway or areas the federal government has determined have a 1% or 0.2% annual chance of flooding.—
Renée Rigdon,
CNN Money,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
Then-manager Braun, through his company, covered what was owed in the form of a loan at a highly favorable (to Bieber) rate.—
Shirley Halperin,
HollywoodReporter,
1 July 2025
-
Employees’ health insurance must cover fertility treatments Senate Bill 729 requires employers with 100 or more employees to offer health insurance to cover infertility diagnosis and fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization.—
Angela Rodriguez,
Sacbee.com,
1 July 2025
Verb
-
Once you’re done, toss the towel or sheet into the wash on hot water to sanitize it.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 June 2025
-
My partner’s speciality is pasta: the fresh, handmade kind, delicately sheeted and crimped into intricate shapes.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
14 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overlay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlay. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share