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
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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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Analysis of zinc isotopes preserved in fossilized shark teeth, published in Nature Communications in 2022, found that when great white sharks and megalodon coexisted during the Pliocene, their diets overlapped significantly, both feeding high up the same food chain on marine mammals.
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In addition, Sweeney’s time with the Bucks overlapped for three years with John Hammond’s tenure as Milwaukee’s general manager when the franchise drafted Antetokounmpo with the 15th pick in 2013.
Verb
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The chairs are crafted from weather-resistant PE rattan and powder-coated steel that stand up to harsh UV rays, rain, and other outdoor elements.
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Each nail is coated in pink chrome powder that flashes a beetle-like green in the light.
Verb
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In Mississippi, Highway 49 was covered with up to three feet of water, stranding cars, local officials reported to the weather service.
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On her return journey, Luban covered about 4,350 miles.
Verb
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These included a selfie taken at a Texas Christian University football game and overlaid with the Palestinian flag.
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Inspired by this, Carlito overlaid the Robusto’s Cameroon wrapper with a Dominican Corojo wrapper.
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Cite this Entry
“Overlain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlain. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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