1
as in to overlap
to lie over parts of one another
the puzzle pieces overlay one another in complete disarray on the floor
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to coat
to form a layer over
there will be freezing rain tonight, so we can expect to find a thick layer of ice overlying the car windshield in the morning
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of overlie
The rich volcanic soil overlying the limestone has been fertile for centuries.
—
Chi Varnado, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Nov. 2024
The rock slab located at the high school was also originally from the Callide Mine, which is an open-cut mine, meaning that the overlying rock is removed to get to the coal underneath, Romilio explained.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
Land in San Rafael, Corte Madera, Foster City and Bay Farm Island in the San Francisco Bay Area was found to be subsiding at more than 0.4 inches per year, primarily due to sediment compaction—when loose particles are pressed together under the weight of overlying layers.
—Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
This month, the researchers will return to Waesche, looking for more rocks that could confirm whether the loss of overlying ice caused Waesche to wake up.
—Bypaul Voosen, science.org, 3 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for overlie
Chi Varnado, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Nov. 2024
The rock slab located at the high school was also originally from the Callide Mine, which is an open-cut mine, meaning that the overlying rock is removed to get to the coal underneath, Romilio explained.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
Land in San Rafael, Corte Madera, Foster City and Bay Farm Island in the San Francisco Bay Area was found to be subsiding at more than 0.4 inches per year, primarily due to sediment compaction—when loose particles are pressed together under the weight of overlying layers.
—Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
This month, the researchers will return to Waesche, looking for more rocks that could confirm whether the loss of overlying ice caused Waesche to wake up.
—Bypaul Voosen, science.org, 3 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for overlie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlie
Verb
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William and Kate were away on the actual day as the calendar overlapped with a working visit to the Scottish Isles of Mull and Iona, and their team released an intimate picture of them together.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
9 May 2025
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Though unlike the David and Gladys Wright House, which is designed as a continuous spiral shape, the Circular Sun House is configured as a series of overlapping concentric circles.—
Katherine McLaughlin,
Architectural Digest,
8 May 2025
Verb
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Add oil: Choose an oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil, and swirl to coat the pan.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
15 May 2025
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The component is then coated with a typical clear-coat finish after the deposition procedure.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
12 May 2025
Verb
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It would still be covered when prescribed to treat diabetes, according to a Governor’s Office spokesperson.—
Stephen Hobbs,
Sacbee.com,
15 May 2025
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Grant Lancaster covers crime, policing and breaking news for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.—
Grant Lancaster,
Arkansas Online,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlie. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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