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
Sample collection lasted about three to four years just for Cretaceous rocks, while another four to five were spent on the overlying rock that shows when mammals lived at the site after the dinosaurs went extinct.
—
Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
There is no overlying narration from witnesses or law experts.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025
This upward surge of water fractured the overlying ice sheet, creating new channels for the water to escape.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 31 July 2025
During the extraction of the overlying rock, which spans many miles and dates to the Early Jurassic period, fossil footprints such as these can be found.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlie
Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
There is no overlying narration from witnesses or law experts.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025
This upward surge of water fractured the overlying ice sheet, creating new channels for the water to escape.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 31 July 2025
During the extraction of the overlying rock, which spans many miles and dates to the Early Jurassic period, fossil footprints such as these can be found.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlie
Verb
-
At times, his social role will overlap with that of other weight-room regulars, not least of which is the gym grandpa, who hangs around and shoots the breeze and doles out tips on how to lift.—
Daniel Engber,
The Atlantic,
20 Feb. 2026
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The dual credential places her at the center of two legal disciplines that rarely overlap, yet increasingly intersect in modern family disputes.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The result is often rich, sensorial textures that rinse clean, boost elasticity and shine, and leave hair bouncy (not flat or coated).—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
26 Feb. 2026
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When you’re done, the surface should be coated with just a light touch of oil that adds to its shine without feeling greasy.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The stint at left-back may be temporary, and an attempt to cover up squad deficiencies, but the school of thought at Everton heading into the campaign was that last season’s Branthwaite and Tarkowski partnership was their best way forward.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2026
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Cherry blossom graphics cover the oversize headboards of each bed as the focal point in an otherwise minimal space, while suites include floor-to-ceiling graphic murals.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlie. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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