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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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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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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While most Medicare and Medicaid plans pay for weight loss drugs for diabetics, they aren’t currently covered for obesity.—
Sonya Collins,
Fortune,
20 June 2025
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Anthony Slater is a senior writer covering the Golden State Warriors for The Athletic.—
Anthony Slater,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlie. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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