1
as in to coat
to form a layer over
you should apply a coat of primer first, and then overlay it with two coats of paint
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to overlap
to lie over parts of one another
cedar shingles overlaying one another on the roof
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 overlay
Furthermore, the official merch is designed with thin, blue pinstripes that overlay the collared, white blouse.
—
Skyler Caruso, People.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Sophisticated scammers physically overlay fake QR codes on legitimate signs, especially on payment kiosks, parking meters, and package labels.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2025
These moments and experiences all started to overlay one another at the restaurant with Gabby.
—D. S. Waldman, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2025
Her pair featured metallic silver overlays across a black mesh upper, exaggerated rubber pods at the toe and sides and a bubbled heel inset that’s become a signature of the model.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlay
Skyler Caruso, People.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Sophisticated scammers physically overlay fake QR codes on legitimate signs, especially on payment kiosks, parking meters, and package labels.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2025
These moments and experiences all started to overlay one another at the restaurant with Gabby.
—D. S. Waldman, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2025
Her pair featured metallic silver overlays across a black mesh upper, exaggerated rubber pods at the toe and sides and a bubbled heel inset that’s become a signature of the model.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlay
Verb
-
Applicators infiltrated cities across the nation, coating the chemical on street trees, parks and front lawns.—
Sophie Hartley,
IndyStar,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Honey and olive oil are a match made in heaven to coat roasted salmon or dress green and grain salads.—
Jess Cording,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Many, like six of the 24 at Sawyer Point, are hybrid courts, where the smaller pickleball outlines overlap with larger tennis borders.—
Ethan Singer,
New York Times,
2 Sep. 2025
-
Her content creation has seamlessly overlapped with her duties as co-cheer captain as well.—
Kelsie Gibson,
People.com,
1 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Medicare and Medicaid plans are also required to cover vaccines based on ACIP recommendations.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
-
What To Know In its latest global tropics hazards outlook, covering September 10-16 and September 17-23, the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) indicated at least a 20 percent chance of cyclone formation, at least of tropical depression strength, in the Florida, Gulf, and Caribbean region.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The flooding began with a heavy downpour that sent water sheeting off the hillsides and into creeks.—
Hatim Sharif,
The Conversation,
5 July 2025
-
My partner’s speciality is pasta: the fresh, handmade kind, delicately sheeted and crimped into intricate shapes.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
14 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overlay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlay. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share