1
as in to put
to arrange something in a certain spot or position
just lay the book over there on the table for now
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in to impose
to establish or apply as a charge or penalty
state officials tried to lay a tax on merchandise sold over the Internet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to prepare
to make ready in advance
she's laying plans for the charity auction months ahead of time
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in to spread
to put a layer of on a surface
the mason laid mortar over the first row of bricks before starting the second
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
7
as in to ascribe
to explain (something) as being the result of something else
an electrical fire that was laid to faulty wiring
Synonyms & Similar Words
8
as in to bury
to place (a dead body) in the earth, a tomb, or the sea
lay the corpse to rest
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in ballad
a short musical composition for the human voice often with instrumental accompaniment
she sang a short lay in dedication to her husband
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in work
the activity by which one regularly makes a living
my main lay is as a general contractor, but I do side work as a carpenter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in godless
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of lay
Tim Spiers, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
Developers laid the first foundation stone for the museum in 2002 but construction did not begin until 2005.
—Ayat Al-Tawy, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2025
Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2025
Its generous paddeding, cushion-back design, and lay-flat sleeper feature provide both comfort and practicality.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay
Verb
Probably only Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo can also lay claim to that billing, from the opening quarter of the campaign.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
Developers laid the first foundation stone for the museum in 2002 but construction did not begin until 2005.
—Ayat Al-Tawy, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
Slavin and running mate Peter Antico may be obscure to the lay entertainment consumer but are familiar figures within SAG-AFTRA politics.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2025
Its generous paddeding, cushion-back design, and lay-flat sleeper feature provide both comfort and practicality.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay
Verb
-
China has been building the world’s largest navy, launching high-tech warships at a frenetic pace under the leadership of Xi Jinping, putting pressure on the United States and its Pacific allies to keep pace.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
26 Oct. 2025
-
In addition to Hermitage Farm, Laura Lee Brown and Wilson, who also founded the 21c Museum Hotel chain, have put more than 2,400 acres of land in agriculture conservation easements in Oldham County.—
Maggie Menderski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Steve Coppell’s team were settled and, in Wright and Mark Bright, blessed with one of the most potent strike partnerships in the country.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Then, a month after Sheen settled in, a typhoon destroyed over half of the sets created for the film, causing production to halt once again.—
Angela Andaloro,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Judge Steven Denny imposed the 60-year sentence that same day.—
Christina Coulter,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
-
He was forced to accept it, because it was imposed on him.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The city should immediately assemble a litigation team to prepare to fight the inevitable attempts by Trump to block their receipt of federal funds.—
Newsweek Contributors,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
-
The multi-position experience, said Craft, helped prepare Mougey for an NFL scouting-and-GM career.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The organization's dogs don't just support New Yorkers on marathon day; New York Therapy Animals' fluffy volunteers spread smiles across the city's hospitals, healthcare facilities, day centers, and assisted living facilities.—
Kelli Bender,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Looking ahead, Westenberger said Carter’s may actually benefit from increasing costs in the year ahead, as the impact of tariffs is spread across the industry.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage.—
Jacob Camenker,
USA Today,
2 Nov. 2025
-
Since 1985, the Seminoles have lost only five times when favored by more than 17 points, according to OddsShark’s betting database and newspaper archives.—
Matt Baker,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Another label, Hui Hui, creates pendants made with horse hair, which also ascribe to the nomadic trend, has secured 80 stockists in just two years, a testament to the popularity of the style.—
Lucy Maguire,
Vogue,
30 Oct. 2025
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The brothers ascribe some of Barb’s staying power to Purser, who was working in a movie theater when the Duffer brothers cast her.—
Eliana Dockterman,
Time,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In July 2024, Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial ended by being dismissed with prejudice after his attorneys argued that prosecutors had buried evidence.—
Jack Smart,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has historically struggled to bury chances, while attackers Noah Okafor, Daniel James and Wilfried Gnonto are all struggling to keep fit behind him.—
Chris Weatherspoon,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
Video
Lay vs. Lie
Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.
Cite this Entry
“Lay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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