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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And as more filmmakers do this together, those overlaps form ecosystems of their own.—
Dana Harris-Bridson,
IndieWire,
29 Dec. 2025 -
The Emergency Room of the hospital overlaps with this deepest flooding area, but it is also raised slightly.—
Carol Thompson,
CBS News,
19 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The onions should fall apart, creating a thick, rich sauce that coats the meat.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Further experiments revealed that the extracellular vesicles stopped senescence by using the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin, which coats their surfaces and then causes a release of enzymes that block the effects of oxidative stress which unleash senescence.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
4 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The total misuse of COVID funds in the district, which covers the Charlotte metro area, includes tens of millions, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.—
Chase Jordan
January 10,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Inside the manor house, a rustic spread including cornetti, orange cakes, apricot pastries, homemade granola, and local cheese covers an enormous industrial-style table.—
Rosalyn Wikeley,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Overlies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlies. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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