1
as in puts
to arrange something in a certain spot or position
just lay the book over there on the table for now
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Relevance
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2
3
as in imposes
to establish or apply as a charge or penalty
state officials tried to lay a tax on merchandise sold over the Internet
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4
as in prepares
to make ready in advance
she's laying plans for the charity auction months ahead of time
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5
as in applies
to put a layer of on a surface
the mason laid mortar over the first row of bricks before starting the second
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6
7
as in ascribes
to explain (something) as being the result of something else
an electrical fire that was laid to faulty wiring
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8
as in buries
to place (a dead body) in the earth, a tomb, or the sea
lay the corpse to rest
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1
2
as in ballads
a short musical composition for the human voice often with instrumental accompaniment
she sang a short lay in dedication to her husband
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as in works
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
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Cite this Entry
“Lays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lays. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.
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