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
But first, in order to access the SMAS, surgeons have to peel back the overlying skin.
—
Jolene Edgar,
Allure,
16 Mar. 2026
As Taylor Glacier slides downstream, the overlying ice mass compresses the subglacial channels, building up tremendous pressure.
—
Simone Valesini,
Wired News,
24 Feb. 2026
The peak itself is the glaciated remains of an old volcano, overlying the granite block which dominates the Sierra farther south, according to the Donner Summit Association.
—
Lauren Chapman,
Sacbee.com,
18 Feb. 2026
Contaminated sediment can release PFAS back into the overlying water, where fish and aquatic birds can ingest it.
—
Christy Remucal,
The Conversation,
28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overlie
Jolene Edgar,
Allure,
16 Mar. 2026
As Taylor Glacier slides downstream, the overlying ice mass compresses the subglacial channels, building up tremendous pressure.
—
Simone Valesini,
Wired News,
24 Feb. 2026
The peak itself is the glaciated remains of an old volcano, overlying the granite block which dominates the Sierra farther south, according to the Donner Summit Association.
—
Lauren Chapman,
Sacbee.com,
18 Feb. 2026
Contaminated sediment can release PFAS back into the overlying water, where fish and aquatic birds can ingest it.
—
Christy Remucal,
The Conversation,
28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overlie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlie
Verb
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Social and physical pain share overlapping circuitry in the brain, and a large-scale meta-analysis identified the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex as the region most reliably activated by social rejection, the same region most associated with the experience of pain itself.
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Turkey tail grows on dead logs and tree stumps in overlapping layers that resemble a wild bird’s plumage.
Verb
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Mold still coats the walls along with holes in the ceiling.
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The original is coated in dark chocolate, though there is also now a milk chocolate version on shelves.
Verb
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Madeline Mitchell's role covering women and the caregiving economy at USA TODAY is supported by a partnership with Pivotal and Journalism Funding Partners.
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Video showed people running and several areas inside the airport covered in rubble and dust, with damaged ceilings.
Cite this Entry
“Overlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlie. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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