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
To do this, Schlatter overlaid the crowding composites tracked by Citi.
—
Alex Harring, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026
Dodd-Frank, for example, kept much of the financial system intact and simply overlaid an additional technocratic layer of long, complicated regulations on top of a problematic market and regulatory structure.
—Ganesh Sitaraman, Time, 26 Mar. 2026
Rather than going with the traditional Grand Wagoneer woodgrain, Jeep overlaid a topographical design that runs from the front to the rear fenders.
—Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 26 Mar. 2026
These tools typically are used to listen to the interview questions and provide answers in a window overlaid on the video call.
—ABC News, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overlay
Alex Harring, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026
Dodd-Frank, for example, kept much of the financial system intact and simply overlaid an additional technocratic layer of long, complicated regulations on top of a problematic market and regulatory structure.
—Ganesh Sitaraman, Time, 26 Mar. 2026
Rather than going with the traditional Grand Wagoneer woodgrain, Jeep overlaid a topographical design that runs from the front to the rear fenders.
—Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 26 Mar. 2026
These tools typically are used to listen to the interview questions and provide answers in a window overlaid on the video call.
—ABC News, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overlay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlay
Verb
-
In large bowl, toss together peaches, blueberries, sugar and flour until fruit is well coated; set aside.—
Judy Bart Kancigor,
Oc Register,
7 May 2026
-
For the spicy tuna, masago clings to thick, buttery pieces of tuna coated in Sriracha, mayonnaise and sesame oil.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
These spheres are always overlapping.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
8 May 2026
-
But sandwich generation caregiving is chronic, overlapping and resource-intensive in ways the bill isn’t designed to address.—
Kate Perepezko,
The Conversation,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Pour in an additional 4 cups water (chicken should be covered; if not, add more water).—
Rebecca Firkser,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
14 May 2026
-
Designers were clever enough to install a series of waterfalls that spill into the pool to cover up traffic noise from the pool’s location.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Both Bestor and architect Tim Barber, who counts Matt Duffer and Ramin Djawadi as clients, employ Densdeck Roof Boards and Densinglas sheeting, a fiberglass-matt gypsum panel considered sustainable because of its durability and recycled content, in their work.—
Abigail Stone,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Reroll the dough sheets away from you into cylinders and loosely pinch them closed.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overlay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlay. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
