lain

verb

Definition of lainnext
past participle of lie
1
as in gone
to be positioned along a certain course or in a certain direction the train tracks lie just over that hill

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in been
to occupy a place or location I left the book lying on the counter

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in hidden
to remain out of sight paparazzi were lying in wait outside the restaurant, a well-known celebrity hangout

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lain
  1. gone
  2. been
  3. extended
  4. sat
  5. led
  6. run
Verb
  • Since June 25, the club has gone 20-3 and turned its season around.
    — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • That has given Zavagnin a unique perspective on how soccer has gone from an afterthought to a vibrant part of Kansas City.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
Definition of gone
Verb
  • The special edition adds her to the scene, on a surface level flexing access to these men who’ve been movers and shakers across consecutive centuries, which could imply an artist seeing their own work on the same level.
    — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 24 July 2026
  • How electric has the atmosphere at Madison Square Garden been during the Finals, especially during and after Game 4’s comeback?
    — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2026
Definition of been
Verb
  • While the reunification talks are still in the early stages, the two organizations said the Governors of the Television Academy have extended their terms by one year to oversee as much of the deliberation as possible.
    — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 27 July 2026
  • The deadline to finalize critical habitat was extended by one year and expired in 2025.
    — Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026
Definition of extended
Verb
  • This fine establishment has sat at the same address in the Williamsburg Bridge's shadow since 1887, and the interiors carry about as many frills as your average public house—dark wood, plaster walls, and so on.
    — Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Dec. 2025
  • The birthday boy and his big sister Sterling Skye, 3, each sat between one of their parents’ laps.
    — Angel Saunders, People.com, 24 Dec. 2024
Definition of sat
Verb
  • Since becoming commissioner in 2019, Engelbert has led the WNBA into its most successful era.
    — Annie Costabile, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • The maltreatment eventually led her to run away, later re-entering foster care.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
Definition of led
Verb
  • The agency has also sent staff to Anson County to help run the elections office while the county searches for new leadership.
    — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026
  • Kraus joined Sundance Square in 2021 to run the security division and has since expanded into strategic operations.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2026
Definition of run
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.

Browse Nearby Words

laid up
lain
lain (down)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lain. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on lain

Nglish: Translation of lain for Spanish Speakers

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