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
Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
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
Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 24 Mar. 2026
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
Noun
It’s also made with five foam layers that create a balanced feel, starting with a soft, quilted top layer that gives it an instantly cozy finish.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
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
Colorado Opening June 2026 White Elephant Aspen is set to introduce a modern mountain aesthetic to the area with a contemporary 54-room hotel that layers leather and stone design elements with local artwork.
—Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 24 Mar. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for layers
Noun
-
The combination of hot temperatures, falling humidity levels, and a gusty breeze.—
Steven Sosna,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
While levels of lead in soil are the main drivers for EPA action, the data on children’s blood lead levels can inform decisions like lowering cleanup thresholds, said Kellen Ashford, an EPA spokesperson.—
Chris Bowling,
ProPublica,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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More specifically — and without spoiling a story that piles the twists as high as the corpses — Pine's an ex-British soldier pulled from his porter duties and recruited to surveil a ruthless arms dealer, Richard Roper (Hugh Laurie) staying at the hotel.—
Matt Cabral,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Apr. 2026
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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
Noun
-
The remaining vessels traveled in loops to avoid entering the waterway.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
19 Apr. 2026
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And in 1922, Levi’s became the first brand to use belt loops on jeans.—
Jack Armstrong,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Since then, the park has expanded the number of ticket tiers and raised prices on the top end to $224 while holding the lowest price steady at the $104 level.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
15 Apr. 2026
-
The six-week program is made up of three tiers depending on age and experience, and touches a variety of fields, from health care to manufacturing, carpentry, and emerging tech, with at least 150 businesses taking part.—
Lauren Linder,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The kitchen sink sandwich, the TikTok trend that keeps recirculating, takes the same principle and stacks it between bread.—
Allison Palmer,
Charlotte Observer,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Aledo stacks another win Aledo won its 11th consecutive game Friday, trouncing Saginaw 15-0 in shutout fashion.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
From the upper echelons of global logistics to the cutting edge of industrial energy, this week’s business landscape is defined by transition and rapid scaling.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
That consciousness even reached the upper echelons of medicine.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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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 23 Apr. 2026.
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