1
as in overlapped
to lie over parts of one another
the puzzle pieces overlay one another in complete disarray on the floor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in coated
to form a layer over
there will be freezing rain tonight, so we can expect to find a thick layer of ice overlying the car windshield in the morning
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlain
Verb
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Weeks, a former infielder, is held in the highest regard by Minasian, who was the Brewers’ pro scouting director and overlapped with him there.—
Andrew Baggarly,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025 -
For Stolte, his Firehouse 51 family and his real-life family have overlapped.—
Christopher Rudolph,
PEOPLE,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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It’s also coated in scratch-resistant enamel that’s easy to clean and great for presenting on a tablescape.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
7 Oct. 2025
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Its polyester fabric is coated in a water- and stain-resistant coating, and its ergonomic, strong zippers can withstand serious force.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Millais covered her body with flowers that signify love, pain, innocence, and faithfulness.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
3 Oct. 2025
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Unable to plausibly explain to the authorities what happened — or why she’s covered in her friends’ blood — Sarah is forced back to the subterranean depths to help locate her five missing companions.—
Caitlin White,
Variety,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Typically, these formations have porous rock layers overlaid by impermeable rock that blocks upward movement.—
Tejasri Gururaj,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Oct. 2025
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Polka dots were turned pop, scaled down or up in their size, rendered in white, red or black, or overlaid on summery, Italian Riviera-nodding stripes.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
23 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Overlain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlain. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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