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 vast glass windows and doors of the building, called Lakeside Center at McCormick Place, are overlaid with a pattern of close, opaque dots.
—
Vincent Alban, New York Times, 21 May 2025
The problems at control towers and facilities overlay an ongoing stress passengers feel over a string of technology outages, close calls and fatal accidents.
—Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 16 May 2025
The rat was overlaid on an explainer of the Israel-Gaza war presented by Canadian-Palestinian lawyer Diana Buttu.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 14 May 2025
Its cream background is overlaid with fanciful doodles of oranges, farfalle pasta, wine, playing cards, and other feel-good finds that emphasize the beauty found in the ordinary.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlay
Vincent Alban, New York Times, 21 May 2025
The problems at control towers and facilities overlay an ongoing stress passengers feel over a string of technology outages, close calls and fatal accidents.
—Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 16 May 2025
The rat was overlaid on an explainer of the Israel-Gaza war presented by Canadian-Palestinian lawyer Diana Buttu.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 14 May 2025
Its cream background is overlaid with fanciful doodles of oranges, farfalle pasta, wine, playing cards, and other feel-good finds that emphasize the beauty found in the ordinary.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlay
Verb
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Add 1/2 cup of warm dressing and toss to coat the ingredients evenly.—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
20 June 2025
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Sear in a hot pan coated in a thin layer of oil until the meat is browned to your liking.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 June 2025
Verb
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The third and fourth sections discuss where Rowling’s apparent concern for technological overuse does seem to overlap with some of her readers’ anxieties.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
26 June 2025
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The Mets’ cold streak has overlapped with an extreme heat wave in New York.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
25 June 2025
Verb
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This particular freedom day's origin story is a bit murky given how few newspapers covered African American celebrations in the late 19th century.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
20 June 2025
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Prior to joining Fox News, Alexandra covered breaking news, crime, religion, and the military in the southeast.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
20 June 2025
Verb
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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
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However, a more rounded spout may tend to drip or sheet out the liquid in a wider stream than expected.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overlay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlay. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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