overlies

present tense third-person singular of overlie
1
as in overlaps
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 coats
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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlies
Verb
  • That is slightly earlier than — but partially overlaps with — this year’s Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, running July 10-19.
    Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 28 May 2026
  • Recognizing that student cell phone use overlaps with multiple areas (including instruction, student well-being, safety and communication), the district sought to better understand how these priorities are perceived across the educational partner groups, according to a staff report.
    Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • The ranch flavor is prominent and generously coats your fingers (in the best way).
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 6 June 2026
  • Then there’s the gorgeous pink dust that lightly coats each chip.
    Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • The campus includes a towering museum that covers the political and personal realms of the nation’s first Black president and first lady, while public spaces include a branch of the Chicago Public Library, a playground and athletic center, basketball courts and a picnic area with grills.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 June 2026
  • The weather service office in Lincoln, which covers central Illinois, said Thursday that several tornadoes were reported with wind gusts up to 80 mph, as well as hail up to 3 inches in diameter.
    Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Overlies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlies. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

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