superimpose

verb

su·​per·​im·​pose ˌsü-pər-im-ˈpōz How to pronounce superimpose (audio)
superimposed; superimposing; superimposes

transitive verb

: to place or lay over or above something
superimposed images
superimposition noun

Did you know?

Superimposition was one of the magical effects employed by early filmmakers. Using "mirror shots", with semitransparent mirrors set at 45° angles to the scene, they would superimpose shadowy images of ghosts or scenes from a character's past onto scenes from the present. Superimposing your own ideas on something, such as a historical event, has to be done carefully, since your ideas may change whenever you learn something new about the event.

Examples of superimpose in a Sentence

A triangle superimposed on an inverted triangle forms a six-pointed star.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The cheeky, oversized felines were superimposed over scenic photographs of dams, jetties and ship locks throughout Oregon and Southwestern Washington. Suzanne Wright, USA Today, 11 June 2025 In May, attorneys for Sphere Entertainment Co. CEO James Dolan sent Bey a cease-and-desist for using imagery of the Las Vegas Sphere in a video interlude, after which the musician cheekily superimposed the city’s Allegiant Stadium over the first venue in the visual. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 2 June 2025 Wilson, whom the role fits so well he might have been measured for it, has a gift for playing eccentric regular guys and adolescent adults, and mixing, almost superimposing, sadness and happiness. Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025 In the video on X, a LGBTQ+ pride flag was superimposed over the computer. Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for superimpose

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of superimpose was in 1611

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Cite this Entry

“Superimpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superimpose. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

superimpose

verb
su·​per·​im·​pose ˌsü-pə-rim-ˈpōz How to pronounce superimpose (audio)
: to place or lay over or above something
superimposition noun

More from Merriam-Webster on superimpose

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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