as in stacking
to form or arrange parts or pieces of something on top of each other; to form or arrange (something) in layers
The next step in the recipe is to layer the pasta and the sauce in the pan. We layered the fruit with whipped cream and served it with cookies.
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Recent Examples of layering
The ultra-chic crewneck sweater has a slightly oversized fit that’s perfect for cozying up on a long-haul flight and or layering with a turtleneck on bitterly cold winter days.
—
Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2026
The band has never sounded this melodic before; Wroth in particular brings a constant dynamism to his guitar solos, often layering two and reaching climaxes that refuse to collapse into just a flurry of notes, building off Phantom Slaughter’s keyboard melodies with a real sense of drama.
—Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 17 Feb. 2026
And layering black T-shirts on top of each other?
—Shelby Comroe, InStyle, 17 Feb. 2026
Keery was in attendance at the wedding, layering a mid-length black coat over a crisp blue shirt and topping it off with a black beanie to fend off the chilly February air.
—Fleurine Tideman, Glamour, 16 Feb. 2026
To really go for gold, layering two button downs will make a directional statement.
—Minty Mellon, Vogue, 16 Feb. 2026
Frie recommends layering in reflective and light-balancing elements, noting that warm metallics, such as brass fixtures or gilded mirrors—along with thoughtful lighting, are essential.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 7 Feb. 2026
Instead of battering and frying the rellenos, discover similar flavors by layering a flour and egg batter right on top of the shrimp mixture and baking.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Feb. 2026
Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2026
The band has never sounded this melodic before; Wroth in particular brings a constant dynamism to his guitar solos, often layering two and reaching climaxes that refuse to collapse into just a flurry of notes, building off Phantom Slaughter’s keyboard melodies with a real sense of drama.
—Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 17 Feb. 2026
And layering black T-shirts on top of each other?
—Shelby Comroe, InStyle, 17 Feb. 2026
Keery was in attendance at the wedding, layering a mid-length black coat over a crisp blue shirt and topping it off with a black beanie to fend off the chilly February air.
—Fleurine Tideman, Glamour, 16 Feb. 2026
To really go for gold, layering two button downs will make a directional statement.
—Minty Mellon, Vogue, 16 Feb. 2026
Frie recommends layering in reflective and light-balancing elements, noting that warm metallics, such as brass fixtures or gilded mirrors—along with thoughtful lighting, are essential.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 7 Feb. 2026
Instead of battering and frying the rellenos, discover similar flavors by layering a flour and egg batter right on top of the shrimp mixture and baking.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for layering
Verb
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Jackson County The urban core of Kansas City sits in Jackson County, where levy stacking from city, county, and school district taxes creates some of the metro’s highest effective rates.—
Allison Palmer
Updated February 20,
Kansas City Star,
20 Feb. 2026
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Former Mayor Eric Adams attempted to thwart Mamdani’s plans by stacking the Rent Guidelines Board with his own appointees at the end of his term.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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At one point, Roen said, officials even tried piling frozen beavers outside the wolves’ den to sate their hunger.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
16 Feb. 2026
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Moise, 71, was born in Port-au-Prince, came to the United States at 17 and began piling up degrees — medical from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, an MBA and a law degree at the University of Miami.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Layering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/layering. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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