1
as in overlapping
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 coating
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
as in overlaying
Related Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of overlying
Emma R. Hasson, Scientific American, 17 Aug. 2025
Noun
Earth’s substantial atmosphere and geomagnetic field block most (but not all) of this bombardment, and the sunless interiors of worlds without these properties still get protection from overlying material.
—Emma R. Hasson, Scientific American, 17 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlying
Verb
-
Everyone — including Grande and Erivo — jumps and looks around as overlapping voices ask what’s going on.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Without regulation that mirrors modern scientific concern, Wicker recommends that brands adopt multiple layers of protection via multiple, overlapping certifications that span raw fiber to finished product.—
Sophie Benson,
Vogue,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Confectioner's glaze, also known as shellac, can be made from lac-resin — a waxy, waterproof coating that the female lac bug produces for protection.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
30 Oct. 2025
-
How To Get Rid Of Grease Stains For really oily, greasy stains, start by coating them with a layer of cornstarch or baking soda to soak up some of the grease.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Former President Bill Clinton arrived at the New York City Marathon finish line Sunday with a bandage covering the tip of his nose.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
2 Nov. 2025
-
The Pentagon recently imposed the most stringent access restrictions of the term, requiring that all reporters covering the Defense Department in person sign a restrictive press policy prohibiting them from soliciting any information the department has not authorized for release.—
Scott Nover,
Arkansas Online,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Podlesí is notorious for its boring atmosphere, overlaying everything like a thick blanket.—
Zuzana Říhová,
Literary Hub,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Last year at Connect, Meta unveiled its Orion glasses, which are a prototype capable of overlaying complex 3D visuals onto the physical world.—
Jonathan Vanian,
CNBC,
20 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlying. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share