1
as in to overlap
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 to coat
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
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Recent Examples of overlie
The rock slab located at the high school was also originally from the Callide Mine, which is an open-cut mine, meaning that the overlying rock is removed to get to the coal underneath, Romilio explained.
—
Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
Land in San Rafael, Corte Madera, Foster City and Bay Farm Island in the San Francisco Bay Area was found to be subsiding at more than 0.4 inches per year, primarily due to sediment compaction—when loose particles are pressed together under the weight of overlying layers.
—Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
This month, the researchers will return to Waesche, looking for more rocks that could confirm whether the loss of overlying ice caused Waesche to wake up.
—Bypaul Voosen, science.org, 3 Dec. 2024
Planetary scientists count craters, for instance, the logic being that older features will be covered in more craters than younger features will, while younger features will overlie or cut across more pre-existing craters than older features do.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 3 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlie
Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
Land in San Rafael, Corte Madera, Foster City and Bay Farm Island in the San Francisco Bay Area was found to be subsiding at more than 0.4 inches per year, primarily due to sediment compaction—when loose particles are pressed together under the weight of overlying layers.
—Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
This month, the researchers will return to Waesche, looking for more rocks that could confirm whether the loss of overlying ice caused Waesche to wake up.
—Bypaul Voosen, science.org, 3 Dec. 2024
Planetary scientists count craters, for instance, the logic being that older features will be covered in more craters than younger features will, while younger features will overlie or cut across more pre-existing craters than older features do.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 3 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlie
Verb
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The way the rear paw print only partially overlaps the front means the animal may have been walking at a normal pace.—
Amanda Schupak,
CNN Money,
25 Apr. 2025
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On average, the index climbed 2.6% from when the two moving averages first overlapped.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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It’s entirely made of cotton that has been coated with polyvinyl to create a sturdy material with the look of pebbled leather, which is as water-resistant and stain-repellent as hide.—
Miles Walls,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Apr. 2025
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Gently coat the mascara on your lashes and wait about 30 seconds before wearing a second coat.—
Celeste Polanco,
Essence,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
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More: Obamacare covers cancer screening and cholesterol meds.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
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Prior to The Bee, Smith covered high school sports at the Citrus Heights Sentinel.—
Marcus D. Smith,
Sacbee.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlie. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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