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
Matt Schooley, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
Then Elliss sprinted to fall on the ball, got up and ran toward the nearest end zone in celebration, all while Herbert laid flat on his back and clutched his chest plate with both hands.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
Racquel Bazos, Baltimore Sun, 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
Star New England Patriots defensive lineman Milton Williams laid some big hits against the Los Angeles Chargers.
—Matt Schooley, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
Then Elliss sprinted to fall on the ball, got up and ran toward the nearest end zone in celebration, all while Herbert laid flat on his back and clutched his chest plate with both hands.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
This story has been updated to clarify that Angela Allen is the first lay head of Notre Dame Preparatory School.
—Racquel Bazos, Baltimore Sun, 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
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With her signature long waves gathered into a subtle bun at the nape of her neck, this style puts the focus on the sculptural wave framing Seyfried's face opposite a deep side part.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Jalen Brunson's running layup put New York up 72-62 early in the third quarter but the Blazers chipped away, pulling within 90-88 early in the fourth.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Her sparkling long-sleeve dress draped across her body and settled into a small train behind her.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Some might accept a lien or letter of protection, which meant they would not be paid until lawsuits like those that would be filed on Barb’s and Sharon’s behalf settled.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Leaders from countries that imposed sanctions often say that the measures are intended to bring pressure on the government and leaders of Iran.—
Mitchell McCluskey,
CNN Money,
12 Jan. 2026
-
But scenes like this continue to tell a different story as Iran's leadership only tightens its grip, including imposing a sweeping communications blackout that has seen the internet cut and international calls blocked.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui and Chris Williams planned to assist Fincke and Cardman in suiting up and preparing the tools and equipment that would be needed outside the space station.—
William Harwood,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
How to prepare before strong winds approach Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The group also reported that more than 2,300 people have been arrested and that demonstrations have spread to at least 180 cities nationwide.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
11 Jan. 2026
-
The band was also unique in allowing fans to tape the concerts, with vigorous trading of tapes helping to spread recognition of their music outside of radio play.—
Adam Levine,
CNN Money,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
To the critics, LaFleur is 2-3 in the playoffs as a betting favorite, tied for the worst win rate among 19 coaches with at least five such games this century.—
Mike Sando,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
-
This time, a more emboldened administration appears to be betting that both fear and a show of force will be enough to quell a movement that has become fragmented and disillusioned through the years.—
Paola Ramos,
Time,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Some advisors ascribe to a 10% rule of thumb — meaning no one stock or asset should make up more than 10% of a portfolio.—
Hayley Cuccinello,
CNBC,
9 Jan. 2026
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Most accounts ascribe these episodes of central bank cooperation to geopolitical and national self-interest, but Sahasrabuddhe emphasizes the social relations of central bankers themselves.—
Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Affairs,
16 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Medieval Europeans moved to England consistently A press release by the University of Cambridge continued that researchers studied more than 700 chemical signatures from the teeth of people buried in England between AD 400 and 1100.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Jan. 2026
-
He will be cremated, with his ashes buried next to his parents in Joliet, Osborne said.—
Mike Barnes,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Jan. 2026
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 15 Jan. 2026.
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