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
Relevance
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
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Lunar New Year overlaps with the midwinter recess in February, and an extended spring recess in April will give schools the days off for Passover.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
21 Apr. 2026 -
Milwaukee County emergency management director Paul Riegel said sirens are only activated when the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning – meaning a tornado, or a storm capable of producing one, overlaps any area of the county.—
David Clarey,
jsonline.com,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In contrast, aphids produce a sticky residue called honeydew that coats foliage and can later develop into a black coating known as sooty mold.—
Anthony Reardon,
Kansas City Star,
20 Apr. 2026
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Once the sauce is glossy and coats the back of a spoon, remove from heat.—
Gretchen McKay,
Twin Cities,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Downs is a rare safety who covers like a cornerback, tackles like a linebacker, and blitzes like an edge rusher.—
Bill Jones,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
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In Georgia, extreme drought now covers 71% of the state, the highest since 2012.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
24 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Overlies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlies. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
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