as in overlies
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
Relevance
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 overlaps
While trees — oak, birch, maple — dominate early spring, grass pollen often overlaps in late spring from May to June, leading to higher, more intense allergy loads for sufferers.
—
Michael Khouw, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2026
Modern data tools allow states to identify duplicate claims, incompatible eligibility overlaps, or anomalous billing patterns before losses grow.
—Timothy M. Herbst, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2026
Pelton, who serves as the minority caucus chair in the state Senate, represents Sterling and northeastern Colorado, a district that overlaps with Boebert’s congressional district.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 24 Feb. 2026
Because Oscar season overlaps with Carnaval, Brazil’s cinematic triumphs inspire splashy celebrations IRL.
—Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 20 Feb. 2026
The second segment of a shrimp's shell overlaps the first and third shell segments.
—Susan Hall Mahon, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2026
Since emotional pain overlaps with physical pain in the brain, Yovell said some treatment options overlap, too.
—Kyra Dahring, CNN Money, 14 Feb. 2026
If subfreezing air overlaps with incoming Pacific moisture, Central Texas could face another round of winter weather.
—Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 27 Jan. 2026
In 2019, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office filed a criminal case against the company, alleging Medicaid fraud between October 2016 and February 2019, a period that overlaps with the time Osman was listed as the company’s agent.
—Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Jan. 2026
Michael Khouw, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2026
Modern data tools allow states to identify duplicate claims, incompatible eligibility overlaps, or anomalous billing patterns before losses grow.
—Timothy M. Herbst, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2026
Pelton, who serves as the minority caucus chair in the state Senate, represents Sterling and northeastern Colorado, a district that overlaps with Boebert’s congressional district.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 24 Feb. 2026
Because Oscar season overlaps with Carnaval, Brazil’s cinematic triumphs inspire splashy celebrations IRL.
—Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 20 Feb. 2026
The second segment of a shrimp's shell overlaps the first and third shell segments.
—Susan Hall Mahon, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2026
Since emotional pain overlaps with physical pain in the brain, Yovell said some treatment options overlap, too.
—Kyra Dahring, CNN Money, 14 Feb. 2026
If subfreezing air overlaps with incoming Pacific moisture, Central Texas could face another round of winter weather.
—Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 27 Jan. 2026
In 2019, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office filed a criminal case against the company, alleging Medicaid fraud between October 2016 and February 2019, a period that overlaps with the time Osman was listed as the company’s agent.
—Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlaps
laps
Verb
-
Sorry, dudes, the ladies ran laps around you tonight.—
José Criales-Unzueta,
Vanity Fair,
2 Mar. 2026
-
A couple of us swim laps in an outdoor pool, no matter the weather.—
Lisa Jhung,
Outside,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overlaps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlaps. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
