overlap 1 of 2

Definition of overlapnext
as in lapping
a partial covering of one thing by an adjoining member the orthodontist will try to fix that overlap of two of your upper incisors

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overlap

2 of 2

verb

as in to overlie
to lie over parts of one another the brochures on the display table should overlap but not so much that the titles are obscured

Synonyms & Similar 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 overlap
Noun
Their two streaming services, which will combine, have very little overlap in their customer base. Lucas Shaw, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026 Sometimes the overlap between real life and game culture is accidental. ABC News, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
Gary’s time with the Packers briefly overlapped with new defensive coordinator Christian Parker who was a defensive quality control analyst with the team in 2019 and 2020. Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Mar. 2026 If adding magnesium, start with a low dose and increase gradually to reduce overlapping side effects. Sara Hoffman, Verywell Health, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overlap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlap
Noun
  • From my perch on a sun lounger, Friendship Bay stretches out below me – the curve of the powdery sand beach, the impossible blue of the sea and the calming lapping of the waves against the shore.
    Rebekah Evans, TheWeek, 5 Feb. 2026
  • As Amanyara’s resident wellness expert guided me through a sound healing session and harmonized the vibrations of a Tibetan singing bowl, the lapping of the ocean waves seemed to still.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The results are somewhat ambiguous as to how much ice may lurk unseen beneath layers of overlying ice-sparse material.
    K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 18 Mar. 2026
  • As Taylor Glacier slides downstream, the overlying ice mass compresses the subglacial channels, building up tremendous pressure.
    Simone Valesini, Wired News, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The sparkling Colorado River now laps at the Glen Canyon walls about 180 feet below, completely invisible from a dock that once floated atop the water.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026
  • The sugar-white sand slopes into the bright blue waters, where swimmers relax in the gently lapping surf.
    Cailey Rizzo, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • This footage is overlaid with rapidly shifting colors via video synthesizer, obscuring our view, and an iris that periodically frames the runner.
    Daniel R. Quiles, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026
  • Meccage recently pulled up video from Ray’s 2021 season and overlaid it with Ray’s last start.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Overlap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlap. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

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