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 means defining how and when to see the lights themselves, and how our aurora season overlaps with the polar bears and belugas.
    Cody Chomiak, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • That nine year window overlaps almost exactly with the stretch when treatment offers the most protection for brain health, so the delay carries real cost.
    Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • The Earth has four major layers, and the two outermost make up a thin surface that coats the planet.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026
  • Mold still coats the walls along with holes in the ceiling.
    Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Don't go into a basement, or any room, if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026
  • The order covers the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, stretching over Palmyra and Johnston atolls and Kingman Reef, among others.
    Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 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 Jul. 2026.

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