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
  • Given that genocide involves mass murder and the destruction of life, including the elimination of access to food and medicine, its definition in the Rome Statute overlaps to some extent with the broader definition of crimes against humanity.
    Brian Duignan, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 July 2026
  • In general, adolescence is all about seeking independence, which usually either requires or overlaps with strength; Holden, who has felt alone since his brother Allie died of leukemia when Holden was 13, wants neither of those things.
    Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • They’re formed when a grain of grit enters an oyster’s shell, and the mollusk coats that irritant with layer after layer of nacre.
    ByKaren R. McDaniel, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Bring to a low boil, then cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 to 2 more minutes until the sauce coats the chicken bites.
    Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 19 July 2026
Verb
  • The verdict, handed down last Friday, covers claims brought by the family of Kealon Gilmore, who was killed, and wounded survivors including Jazmin Anderson, who was shot in the head, according to the statement.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
  • Christopher Lowe, the shark lab’s director, is searching for funding, whether from foundations, private donors or corporations, for the shark safety program, which covers 500 miles of coastline from Morro Bay to the Mexican border.
    Kori McNair, Los Angeles Times, 16 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 22 Jul. 2026.

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