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
Relevance
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
Eric Prisbell, Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 2026
That uncomfortable overlap between art and life is precisely what the filmmakers are betting on.
—Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 8 Jan. 2026
Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2026
Nihilistic online communities like TCC and 764 are also often overlapping.
—Lauren Fichten, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overlap
Noun
The current overlap of the portal window and the final two rounds of the CFP has been roundly criticized by industry leaders, including former Alabama coach Nick Saban.
—Eric Prisbell, Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 2026
That uncomfortable overlap between art and life is precisely what the filmmakers are betting on.
—Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
Cowork’s ability to handle file organization, document generation, and data extraction overlaps with dozens of AI startups that have raised funding to solve these specific problems.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2026
Nihilistic online communities like TCC and 764 are also often overlapping.
—Lauren Fichten, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overlap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlap
Noun
-
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
-
When the lapping reaches your knees, start to worry.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
22 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
But clever techniques can work around this limitation, including adaptive optics, which rapidly reshapes a mirror in the telescope to counter the motion of overlying air.—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
27 Nov. 2025
-
Sample collection lasted about three to four years just for Cretaceous rocks, while another four to five were spent on the overlying rock that shows when mammals lived at the site after the dinosaurs went extinct.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Fitness center memberships at both facilities include use of the fitness rooms, track, gym and classes as well as the sauna, whirlpool and lap swim times at Rakow’s indoor pool.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Running Shoes From lacing up to lapping the track, these running shoes feel good on your feet.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
In addition to the black mesh base and metallic silver overlays with dashes of red, the look also mixes in green, blue, pink and tan shades, resulting in the most colorful combination to arrive on the 1906L silhouette yet.—
Riley Jones,
Footwear News,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Her silver mesh frock was overlaid with crystals.—
Hannah Malach,
InStyle,
30 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overlap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlap. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
