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
Much of the Floridan Aquifer is shielded significantly from downward migration of pollution by overlying layers of dense, impermeable clay.
—
Kevin Spear, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025
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
The rich volcanic soil overlying the limestone has been fertile for centuries.
—Chi Varnado, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Nov. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for overlie
Kevin Spear, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025
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
The rich volcanic soil overlying the limestone has been fertile for centuries.
—Chi Varnado, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Nov. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for overlie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlie
Verb
-
The district would still overlap with much of its western Dallas County portions, but would extend farther into the central and eastern part of the county.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 July 2025
-
Additionally, the current heat advisory issued by the National Weather Service is set to end 8 p.m. this evening and will not overlap with the flood watch.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
30 July 2025
Verb
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Except there’s a mystery, wrapped in an enigma, and coated in a puzzle.—
Irina Ivanova,
Fortune,
13 July 2025
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Chicken and waffles are also popular, and one waffle menu item comes coated in Fruity Pebbles breakfast cereal.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
And when the stock goes up, hedge funds have to pay money to cover their shorts or could sell their position.—
Ricardo Torres,
jsonline.com,
26 July 2025
-
Add oil and 1/4 cup of the chicken broth; cover and cook over medium for 6 minutes if using chicken breasts, or 8 minutes if using thighs, stirring once halfway through (chicken will not be fully cooked).—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
26 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlie. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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