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 laic
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
Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025
And, between Lent, Advent, Wednesdays and Fridays, and various other days, as many as 150 days of the year might require fasting for lay people.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 4 Aug. 2025
Jack Brook, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
The researchers say the next challenge is understanding how RNA could begin binding specific amino acids consistently, laying the foundation for the genetic code.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay
Verb
The Knights of Columbus is a lay family fraternal organization.
—Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025
And, between Lent, Advent, Wednesdays and Fridays, and various other days, as many as 150 days of the year might require fasting for lay people.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
After public outcry earlier this month, a work crew had finally been dispatched to restore it and was laying bricks as anniversary events commenced.
—Jack Brook, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
The researchers say the next challenge is understanding how RNA could begin binding specific amino acids consistently, laying the foundation for the genetic code.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay
Verb
-
Trailing by 14 points, Charlotte needed a touchdown to get back in the game, and as Albin said, put some heat on the Tar Heels.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Sep. 2025
-
In the first inning as the Blue Jays wore down the Yankees by putting balls in play and fouling off pitches, Judge was tested for the first time on a single by Nathan Lukes.—
Larry Fleisher,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Science is never settled For decades, it was assumed that AHE was always spin-driven and only occurred in magnetic materials.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Keough said her grandmother tried to settle Lisa Marie's estate less than 24 hours after her death in 2023.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Markel’s parents asked the judge to impose the harshest possible penalty.—
Lauren del Valle,
CNN Money,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Also Thursday, the judge agreed to impose an order barring Drummond and lawyers from talking to the media about the case.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
His mother has obtained lawyers who are preparing a lawsuit over potential security lapses at Icon Brickell that allowed Kehl to access the building.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
3 Sep. 2025
-
The inspector general's report adds to severe criticism of the agency for lapses preparing for the event and responding to it.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Controlling a fire means ensuring that the fire can't spread or cross the containment line.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Ten Hag’s first season at United yielded silverware and a third-place league finish, but also had bouts of concerning away form, with tactical weaknesses that would eventually spread and critically undermine his plans for the future.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Boumedienne could theoretically depart college after two seasons and sign in the AHL at just 19 years old, betting on himself early — again.—
Murat Ates,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Though the recession odds rose intra-week, the betting odds held steady week-over-week.—
Bill Stone,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The report ascribed the loss to the lack of appeal for the party's measures aimed at taming inflation, previous political scandals and weak mobilization of young voters.—
April Roach,
CNBC,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Taking the question further, and assuming the Fed capable of the magic that Democrats, Republicans and even libertarians ascribe to it, won’t private capital retreat overcome the Fed substituting itself for the marketplace in the first place?—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Nearly 20 minutes after his final pitch, Scott sat with his head buried in his locker.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
-
As in the crowded Arsenale itself, anything more radical to be found in the pavilion is buried under dioramas and walls of texts.—
Kate Wagner,
Curbed,
5 Sep. 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 Sep. 2025.
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