as in piles
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 layers
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
Jenny Berg, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026
Here, a guest layers hers underneath a sweater, pairs with a matching ensemble, and black kitten heels–proof that even a tiny peek of white can add instant dimension to a look.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026
The event layers opera, dance, theater, and music performances on top of an already vibrant city.
—Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2026
Rather than allowing its typical lightness, Benning layers their brushstrokes purposefully so as to establish new kinds of relationships, both pictorial and material.
—Alex Bacon, Artforum, 10 Feb. 2026
But this new permanent menu item layers the fountain beverages and ice cream rather than blending them together.
—Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
In Galanin’s mercifully direct lyrics, Native dream psychology layers over intimate portrayals of kinship.
—Petala Ironcloud, Pitchfork, 20 Jan. 2026
Alternatively, the Energy Top gives a looser, more relaxed fit that still layers well and is a steal at $43.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026
The glasses will have a 70-degree field of view and optical see-through technology, Google said, adding that the device layers digital content into the user's physical worldview.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 9 Dec. 2025
Noun
Look at the layers of soil and grass and measure how thick the layer of thatch is.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
With a serum-like texture, the formula layers seamlessly under makeup, and delivers a dewy finish.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026
Here, a guest layers hers underneath a sweater, pairs with a matching ensemble, and black kitten heels–proof that even a tiny peek of white can add instant dimension to a look.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026
The event layers opera, dance, theater, and music performances on top of an already vibrant city.
—Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2026
Rather than allowing its typical lightness, Benning layers their brushstrokes purposefully so as to establish new kinds of relationships, both pictorial and material.
—Alex Bacon, Artforum, 10 Feb. 2026
But this new permanent menu item layers the fountain beverages and ice cream rather than blending them together.
—Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
In Galanin’s mercifully direct lyrics, Native dream psychology layers over intimate portrayals of kinship.
—Petala Ironcloud, Pitchfork, 20 Jan. 2026
Alternatively, the Energy Top gives a looser, more relaxed fit that still layers well and is a steal at $43.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026
The glasses will have a 70-degree field of view and optical see-through technology, Google said, adding that the device layers digital content into the user's physical worldview.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 9 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for layers
Noun
-
Their extended range enables comprehensive mapping of vast territories, tracking snow levels to predict floods or hydroelectric output, and keeping a watchful eye on natural hazards such as landslides and avalanches.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Mar. 2026
-
The exec pointed to the enormous amounts of new media being created at low and high levels every day and suggested that only AI could keep up with making sense of it all.—
Andrew Flanagan,
Variety,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The result piles more pressure on Starmer, the least popular prime minister since records began, according to some polls.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
27 Feb. 2026
-
But when snow piles up in powdery white masses, Arizonans can't resist the opportunity to play in it.—
Michael Salerno,
AZCentral.com,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Tab top curtains include fabric loops that slide over the rod, leaving it partially visible and forming soft, relaxed folds.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
17 Mar. 2026
-
The thumb loops helped keep the sleeves anchored and prevented the shirt from riding up during swimming and mobility drills.—
Joe Jackson,
Outside,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Monitoring betting across different NCAA tiers is harder than in the NBA or NFL, athletes aren’t compensated nearly as much and there’s different types of social pressure that come with betting on college athletes.—
Eben Novy-Williams,
Sportico.com,
17 Mar. 2026
-
There are so many different plans and tiers out there, and companies seem to love tacking on additional charges for every new feature.—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
For All Mankind also debuted a new relaxed slim jean for women that stacks well over heels.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Special enough for a holiday occasion and hearty enough for a main course, this casserole stacks bright layers of veggies drenched in our Easy Cheese Sauce.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The Israeli government announced its forces killed Iran's security chief, Ali Larijani, in strikes on March 17, eliminating one of the country's most powerful political figures who once pushed for a nuclear peace deal and spent decades in the upper echelons of the Islamic Republic.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
17 Mar. 2026
-
The run here established Fritz as the de facto face of American men’s tennis and elevated him to more elite echelons in the sport.—
Douglas Robson,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
For this super laidback, windchill-ready look, Hadid wore a beanie hat over her plaits, ski goggle-like black sunglasses, and black leather gloves.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
3 Jan. 2026
-
Low-tension styles are no longer just a few neat plaits.—
Donnetta Monk,
Essence,
21 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Overly Elaborate Pleats Heavy, elaborate pleats can make curtains look stiff and overly formal, which is why designers are favoring simpler, more elegant pleat styles.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Layers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/layers. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
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