LAYS Synonyms: 344 Similar and Opposite Words

lays 1 of 3

verb

Definition of lays next

present tense third-person singular of lay

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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as in settles

to cause to come to rest at the bottom (as of a liquid) the rain was just hard enough to lay the dust in the air

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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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as in prepares

to make ready in advance she's laying plans for the charity auction months ahead of time

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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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as in bets

to risk (something) on the outcome of an uncertain event I'll lay five dollars that you can't do it

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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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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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lays

2 of 3

noun (1)

plural of lay

as in melodies

a rhythmic series of musical tones arranged to give a pleasing effect the minstrel strummed a cheerful lay on his lute

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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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lays

3 of 3

noun (2)

plural of lay

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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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of lays

Verb

The paradox of Gen Z’s willingness to use AI at the office, even amid persistent worries about the technology’s impact on critical thinking, lays bare the young generation’s complicated feelings toward AI, according to the report’s authors. —

Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026 In a video that the Smallville star's wife, Jessica Rose Lee Welling, shared to her Instagram on Sunday, Shlesinger lays a hand on her costar's chest. —

Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Jan. 2026 According to Friends of Big Bear Valley, Jackie typically lays eggs three days apart, meaning the nesting season may not yet be complete. —

Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026 This lays the groundwork for image generation via thermodynamic computing. —

IEEE Spectrum, 27 Jan. 2026 The female moth lays eggs on the garment, and the larvae start feeding on the material, especially in hidden places such as under collars, lapels, or in pockets. —

Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 25 Jan. 2026 Cotton Essential Lay-Flat Travel Organizer A large organizer that holds skincare products, makeup, and makeup brushes is a must for both travel and everyday life, and this version lays flat when opened for maximum visibility. —

Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026 Anybody who lays a hand on you or tries to stop you or tries to obstruct you is committing a felony. —

Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Jan. 2026 Probst simply lays everything out—again, no earpiece—and the game moves on. —

David Canfield, Vanity Fair, 20 Jan. 2026

Noun

Before us, in a curtain of matte black against the vibrant green, a beautiful, enormous silverback lays flopped on his back surrounded by eight gorillas of all ages wrestling around him. —

Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026 While the 40-foot steeple of Crown Point’s oldest church lays toppled along Grant Street and East North Street, treasures found inside the 139-year-old church have found their way into new light. —

Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lays

Verb

This puts American battery and mineral recyclers at a competitive disadvantage against recyclers in Basel member countries — including China.

— Kristen Edgreen Kaufman, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
The versatile beach takes up a mile-long stretch just beyond downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, which puts it walking distance from a whole bunch of cute shops and restaurants.

— Alanna Bennett, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Jan. 2026