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
  • Researchers, educators, and technology companies now discuss how online interaction affects emotional well-being because digital social life now overlaps heavily with ordinary adolescent development.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 27 May 2026
Verb
  • Then there’s the gorgeous pink dust that lightly coats each chip.
    Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 June 2026
  • Return the egg mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and coats a spatula (about 170 degrees Fahrenheit).
    Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 26 May 2026
Verb
  • Krista Johnson covers education and children.
    Krista Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 12 Dec. 2025
  • Lucas Dufalla covers the Mississippi River Basin for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Dec. 2025
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 17 Jun. 2026.

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