1
as in to spread
to put a layer of on a surface
she lays the butter on so thickly that you hardly taste the bagel
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to employ
chiefly British
to provide with a paying job
lay on more staff for the busy tourist season in the Lake District
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay on
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
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The following three entries on the international top 5 liberally employ animation in their respective mise-en-scènes, but wouldn't qualify at the Golden Globes in the Best Animated Film category.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Jan. 2026
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If available, employ your fog lights.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Social media platforms can verify age by either requesting copies of identification documents, using a third party to apply age estimation technology to an account holder’s face, or making inferences from data already available, such as how long an account has been active.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
16 Jan. 2026
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The same doesn't apply to any amphibians who might want to join her in the night, however.—
Phil Boucher,
PEOPLE,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Despite Sismanis’ prior record, the town approved the license renewal, the lawsuit alleges, endangering the female minors Sismanis often hired.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
16 Jan. 2026
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There were sufficient funds to hire private tutors and for a lengthy tour of Central America and the Caribbean during a period of extreme political instability in Venezuela at the end of the 1950s.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In an Old Florida twist, Brightline runs along some of the same railways that were knitted together by Henry Flagler in the late 19th and early 20th century—the ones that laid the groundwork for the state’s present-day tourism industry.—
Skye Sherman,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Jan. 2026
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Buffalo, New York’s Anchor Bar has laid its claim to the most famous chicken wing in America, but as with many beloved creations, the history is not so linear.—
Matt Moore,
Southern Living,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Pitt defensive tackle Francis Brewu is another name worth tracking, considering new Irish defensive line coach Charlie Partridge recruited him into the Panthers program before taking a job with the Indianapolis Colts.—
Pete Sampson,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
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Probationary fire recruits training to join the department provided assistance with containing the fire, officials said.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Blood was smeared on the hood, roof and rear of the sedan.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Jan. 2026
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Hadid appears beat up with a gash on her arm, dirt on her face, and smeared black eye makeup.—
Christina Perrier,
InStyle,
8 Jan. 2026
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Lay vs. Lie
Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.
Cite this Entry
“Lay on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20on. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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