1
as in to coat
to form a layer over
you should apply a coat of primer first, and then overlay it with two coats of paint
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to overlap
to lie over parts of one another
cedar shingles overlaying one another on the roof
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of overlay
Last month, the agency posted an image of ICE agents, overlaid with VHS text and a glitchy filter—two characteristics of fashwave memes.
—
Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2026
The researchers overlay all the data, and then send it to 400 other scientists, water managers, and other experts around the country who critique it and comment on it internally before the map is published.
—Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2026
Her silver mesh frock was overlaid with crystals.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 30 Dec. 2025
Surgeons operated from a cockpit in the operating room, using an input device that provided real-time augmentation, overlays, and tactile paddles while viewing a 3D monitor fed by multimodal imaging.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlay
Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2026
The researchers overlay all the data, and then send it to 400 other scientists, water managers, and other experts around the country who critique it and comment on it internally before the map is published.
—Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2026
Her silver mesh frock was overlaid with crystals.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 30 Dec. 2025
Surgeons operated from a cockpit in the operating room, using an input device that provided real-time augmentation, overlays, and tactile paddles while viewing a 3D monitor fed by multimodal imaging.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlay
Verb
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Sustainable battery design To develop the carbon spheres, Elsaesser and his research team drew inspiration from Mozartkugeln, the iconic Austrian confections made of pistachio, marzipan, and nougat and coated in dark chocolate.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Feb. 2026
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Add cabbage and toss with tongs to coat.—
Gretchen McKay,
Twin Cities,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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And so there was all sorts of overlapping.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
14 Feb. 2026
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Since emotional pain overlaps with physical pain in the brain, Yovell said some treatment options overlap, too.—
Kyra Dahring,
CNN Money,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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These grants can cover cleanups and sustainable cultivation projects, or even related efforts such as fish conservation.—
Rachel Becker,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Feb. 2026
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Researchers revealed that the project covers the entire development chain – from innovative semiconductors and high-performance power modules to integration into key components such as on-board chargers and traction inverters.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Reroll the dough sheets away from you into cylinders and loosely pinch them closed.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 Dec. 2025
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Save your time and check out the most popular coffee makers, electric toothbrushes, and sheets our readers are loving, just in time for gift-giving season.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
PEOPLE,
9 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overlay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlay. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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