1
as in coats
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 overlaps
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 overlays
Goldman is recommending adding downside hedges such as S & P 500 options overlays with drawdown probabilities at current levels.
—
Yun Li, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
EagleEye’s heads-up display (HUD) overlays digital information directly onto the operator’s real-world view.
—Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2025
Layer Stretch is an additional control for all scene layers and overlays to manipulate an input or graphic.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
The author overlays the bleak downtown’s empty storefronts, the rundown houses and harsh economics with the landscape’s sheer beauty.
—Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 21 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
On June 30, the official Maxibon TikTok page posted a video that overlays Korzen's viral video with text announcing the return of a collaboration between the ice cream brand and Krispy Kreme.
—Luke Chinman, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Yun Li, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
EagleEye’s heads-up display (HUD) overlays digital information directly onto the operator’s real-world view.
—Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2025
Layer Stretch is an additional control for all scene layers and overlays to manipulate an input or graphic.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
The author overlays the bleak downtown’s empty storefronts, the rundown houses and harsh economics with the landscape’s sheer beauty.
—Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 21 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
On June 30, the official Maxibon TikTok page posted a video that overlays Korzen's viral video with text announcing the return of a collaboration between the ice cream brand and Krispy Kreme.
—Luke Chinman, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlays
Verb
-
Continue until the solution makes a paste and coats the entire surface of the tub.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
28 Oct. 2025
-
When rice makes the journey from paddy to grocery store to your home, with a few stops along the way, the grains rub against each other, resulting in a layer of starch that coats the outside of each individual grain.—
Emily Johnson,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Vitamin D supplements are another, since vitamin D deficiency often overlaps with SAD and can cause many of the same symptoms, like fatigue.—
Maggie O'Neill,
SELF,
20 Oct. 2025
-
Chasing a stoppage-time winner at the Bernabeu to keep their title hopes alive in April 2017, Alba overlaps Andre Gomes on the left.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Companies with 20 or more employees generally offer continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) that covers you and your family for up to 18 months.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Property Play covers new and evolving opportunities for the real estate investor, from individuals to venture capitalists, private equity funds, family offices, institutional investors and large public companies.—
Diana Olick,
CNBC,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overlays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlays. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share