Synonyms of overlap

overlap 1 of 2

noun

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lapping
• imbrication
• shingling
• overlying
• overlaying
• overspreading

overlap

2 of 2

verb

ˌō-vər-ˈlap 

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

• overlie
• lap
• overlay
• overspread
• shingle

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of overlap

Noun

The juxtaposition of Prikryl’s family with Cordelia’s reveals the overlap of tragedy, fairy tale, and soap opera. — Langdon Hammer, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026

Editing Is The Product Another place the overlap becomes obvious is in how both industries handle choice. — Aditi Sinha, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Verb

Each fall, Earth passes through different parts of this sprawling stream, producing two overlapping meteor showers — and, occasionally, the larger fragments responsible for the Taurids' famous fireballs. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 30 Oct. 2026

The three sisters spend much of the film’s runtime apart, rather than the film exploring an overlapping dynamic between them. — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026