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
The Secret to Happiness Ask locals what explains Lafayette’s happiness and the answers overlap. Phil Thomas, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2026 If Boca Championship Wrestling sounds like an unusual passion project for a real-estate broker, Maschler is quick to explain the overlap. Jason Phillips, USA Today, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
Sazón overlaps some, and also contains annatto for color, plus coriander, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and oregano. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2026 Insights cascaded and overlapped in surprising ways. Richard Godwin, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overlap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlap
Noun
  • 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
  • As Amanyara’s resident wellness expert guided me through a sound healing session and harmonized the vibrations of a Tibetan singing bowl, the lapping of the ocean waves seemed to still.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • However, those sea surface temperatures will be far warmer than the overlying air temperatures.
    Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Contaminated sediment can release PFAS back into the overlying water, where fish and aquatic birds can ingest it.
    Christy Remucal, The Conversation, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Mozambique's coast and its islands are fringed with long, powdery stretches of sand and lapped by warm Indian Ocean waters.
    Lisa Grainger, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Running laps around luxury Hechter wasn’t imagining a Gen Z takeover of her hometown race.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The latter is overlaid with a light blue bandana motif.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026
  • As music played in the background, overlaying captions appeared on screen beside Bader, 30, who underwent bariatric surgery in December 2023.
    Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Overlap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlap. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.

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