overlain

Definition of overlainnext
past participle of overlie
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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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlain
Verb
  • Filming now overlapped with awards season; days were spent on set, nights at the Golden Globes or Critics’ Choice Awards.
    Alisa Bittner, Refinery29, 12 Feb. 2026
  • The documents illustrate how Epstein’s circles of money and power overlapped.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • It's coated in Zatar, which great choice.
    Emily Elias, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Swirl skillet until fully coated with butter and bacon grease.
    Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Another video recorded by straphangers aboard a train passing through the station shows the killer shove Dawodu, who collapses to the platform covered in blood.
    Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2026
  • District officials say the decision will save $12 million and will put Broward in line with other school districts, many of which have never covered GLP-1 medications for weight loss.
    Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Dissonant chords are overlaid with misty reverberation.
    Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 17 Feb. 2026
  • The latter is overlaid with a light blue bandana motif.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Overlain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlain. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

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