overlap 1 of 2

Definition of overlapnext
as in lapping
a partial covering of one thing by an adjoining member the orthodontist will try to fix that overlap of two of your upper incisors

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overlap

2 of 2

verb

as in to overlie
to lie over parts of one another the brochures on the display table should overlap but not so much that the titles are obscured

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 overlap
Noun
Screens are splayed across the bar’s three viewing areas, each with independent audio to prevent commentary overlap, and the rooftop beer garden boasts a 135-inch screen for marquee matches. Charles Usher, Midwest Living, 9 June 2026 The working-age population is increasing, owing to consistent employment growth and a steady flow of migrants who are often highly skilled and actively recruited, and tend to come from bordering countries that have significant cultural and linguistic overlaps with Switzerland. Jessi Jezewska Stevens, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
Verb
In some cases, Abouzaid says, the legions of overlapping LLMs racked up almost $1,000 in query charges—just to get the wrong answer. Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 10 June 2026 According to The Associated Press, prior to the meeting, the pope discussed his and the artist's overlapping schedules and who might dominate young people's attention between the two figures. Mason Leib, ABC News, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for overlap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlap
Noun
  • The Wave percale sheets are guaranteed to lull you to sleep, like you’re being rocked by the gentle lapping of the ocean.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 13 May 2026
  • From my perch on a sun lounger, Friendship Bay stretches out below me – the curve of the powdery sand beach, the impossible blue of the sea and the calming lapping of the waves against the shore.
    Rebekah Evans, TheWeek, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The local agricultural cooperative now struggles given the absence of irrigated agriculture in that area overlying the Ogallala.
    Allen Best, Denver Post, 14 June 2026
  • Soundings reached down more than 35 meters, roughly 1.75 times deeper than measurements taken on the crater floor or the overlying Delta units.
    Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 20 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In Houston, some drivers were up to their trailer hitches in lapping waters, while photos from Waco, Texas, showed roadways washed away by the storms.
    Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 15 June 2026
  • The laps at Pocono are so long that a car won’t be lapped after pitting if within 10 seconds of the leader.
    Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • Every braking point, apex and throttle input from his previous best was overlaid on his track view.
    Brendan Keegan, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
  • The tattoos are outlined in black, as seen on their Instagram Stories, and are also displayed in their black-and-white Instagram carousel overlaid with the colorless filter.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Overlap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlap. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

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