overlies

Definition of overliesnext
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
  • While trees — oak, birch, maple — dominate early spring, grass pollen often overlaps in late spring from May to June, leading to higher, more intense allergy loads for sufferers.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Modern data tools allow states to identify duplicate claims, incompatible eligibility overlaps, or anomalous billing patterns before losses grow.
    Timothy M. Herbst, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Add Parmesan, remaining 1 tablespoon butter and a squeeze of lemon juice; stir, adding more pasta water, a couple tablespoons at a time, if needed, until sauce is glossy and coats the pasta.
    John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Greek yogurt has a thick texture that coats the florets.
    Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Emiliano Tahui Gómez covers Latinos in Austin for the Statesman, including immigration, displacement and culture.
    Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Reopening in March 2026 after a four-year renovation, this museum covers the history and culture of Tokyo, known as Edo until 1868.
    Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 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 15 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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