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
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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
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Recent Examples of overlay
The Specs will use AR technology to let people see and interact with digital imagery that's overlaid over the physical world.
—
Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 10 June 2025
The racing sequences are good, sometimes even great, with footage shot during actual Grands Prix and overlaid with chatter from coverage commentators to explain the strategies and positions of the Apex drivers during each of their nine remaining races.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 26 June 2025
With multiple frequency bands, researchers can overlay data in different colors to reveal more detailed structures around a black hole.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 19 June 2025
Trellis aggregates up to a decade of a woman’s health history from 50,000+ provider sites, re-architecting it around chronology rather than billing codes, then overlays intelligent support.
—Stephen Wunker, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlay
Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 10 June 2025
The racing sequences are good, sometimes even great, with footage shot during actual Grands Prix and overlaid with chatter from coverage commentators to explain the strategies and positions of the Apex drivers during each of their nine remaining races.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 26 June 2025
With multiple frequency bands, researchers can overlay data in different colors to reveal more detailed structures around a black hole.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 19 June 2025
Trellis aggregates up to a decade of a woman’s health history from 50,000+ provider sites, re-architecting it around chronology rather than billing codes, then overlays intelligent support.
—Stephen Wunker, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlay
Verb
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Except there’s a mystery, wrapped in an enigma, and coated in a puzzle.—
Irina Ivanova,
Fortune,
13 July 2025
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Chicken and waffles are also popular, and one waffle menu item comes coated in Fruity Pebbles breakfast cereal.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
11 July 2025
Verb
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Camp Mystic has two sites, both of which overlap with either the floodway or areas the federal government has determined have a 1% or 0.2% annual chance of flooding.—
Renée Rigdon,
CNN Money,
7 July 2025
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This will be a tight turn from the conclusion of the Euros (July 27 final) and AFCON (July 26 final) and overlaps with Copa America (Aug. 2).—
Tamerra Griffin,
New York Times,
7 July 2025
Verb
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Jackson nursed him back to health by covering his feet with a medicated balm and became acutely aware of the need to protect her pets from the hot summer sun and heatwaves.—
Jen Reeder,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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Ed has covered pop music for The Republic since 2007, reviewing festivals and concerts, interviewing legends, covering the local scene and more.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
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The flooding began with a heavy downpour that sent water sheeting off the hillsides and into creeks.—
Hatim Sharif,
The Conversation,
5 July 2025
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Once you’re done, toss the towel or sheet into the wash on hot water to sanitize it.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overlay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlay. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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