1
as in to put
to arrange something in a certain spot or position
just lay the book over there on the table for now
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in to impose
to establish or apply as a charge or penalty
state officials tried to lay a tax on merchandise sold over the Internet
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to prepare
to make ready in advance
she's laying plans for the charity auction months ahead of time
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5
as in to spread
to put a layer of on a surface
the mason laid mortar over the first row of bricks before starting the second
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
7
as in to ascribe
to explain (something) as being the result of something else
an electrical fire that was laid to faulty wiring
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8
as in to bury
to place (a dead body) in the earth, a tomb, or the sea
lay the corpse to rest
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in ballad
a short musical composition for the human voice often with instrumental accompaniment
she sang a short lay in dedication to her husband
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in work
the activity by which one regularly makes a living
my main lay is as a general contractor, but I do side work as a carpenter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in laic
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of lay
Noah Lederman, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2024
Sources: Politico, Reuters Group therapy led by lay counselors is helping to combat depression
In Zambia, only about 25 psychologists and psychiatrists serve a population of 20 million.
—Cameron Pugh, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 July 2024
Reuters, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024
The general public wins in that all three have, unusually for academic economists, written extensively for lay audiences; Acemoglu and Robinson’s 2012 book Why Nations Fail was a bestseller, and Johnson has had several prominent books on financial regulation and innovation.
—Dylan Matthews, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
See All Example Sentences for lay
Noun
Volunteer lifeguards and local boatmen offer surf lessons for newer riders or even experienced wave riders who want to better understand the lay of the underwater land.
—Noah Lederman, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2024
Sources: Politico, Reuters Group therapy led by lay counselors is helping to combat depression
In Zambia, only about 25 psychologists and psychiatrists serve a population of 20 million.
—Cameron Pugh, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 July 2024
Adjective
Corsica, like much of France, has a long history of lay Catholic associations, known as confraternities.
—Reuters, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024
The general public wins in that all three have, unusually for academic economists, written extensively for lay audiences; Acemoglu and Robinson’s 2012 book Why Nations Fail was a bestseller, and Johnson has had several prominent books on financial regulation and innovation.
—Dylan Matthews, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
See All Example Sentences for lay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay
Verb
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In other words, Foster just put himself on a loudly ticking clock.—
Ben Bolch,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Mar. 2025
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The unemployment rate also ticked up to 4.1% as the Trump administration continued its large-scale slashing of government jobs and back and forth over its trade policy, both of which unsettled businesses and households — putting pressure on the economy.—
Andrew Torgan,
CNN Money,
30 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The team settled on a patient with SD Autism Spectrum disorder who had an ankle sprain but frustrated Dr. Langdon (Patrick Ball) with his endless questions.—
Chris O'Falt,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2025
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In October, the parties settled the lawsuit for $1.85 million.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Trump defended his decision to impose tariffs, saying that the trade situation with U.S. partners was unsustainable and that someone needed to act.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
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Most Republicans stood by Trump's plan to continue to impose steep tariffs against China.—
Isabella Murray,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Additionally, the state is preparing for potential financial strain if congressional Republicans move forward with plans to cut billions from Medicaid, which could put coverage for millions at risk.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2025
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How to prepare before strong winds approach Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
30 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Kennedy is a longtime anti-vaccine advocate who is now using his position as the top US health official to spread misinformation and doubt about the safety and efficacy of vaccines.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
2 Apr. 2025
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Crushed pistachios, slivered almonds and two blackberries spread over a silky custard awash with sweet, nutty flavor.—
Benjy Egel,
Sacbee.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Murphy Betting Odds When the betting odds opened for this contest, Murphy was a -300 betting favorite over the +250 Emmett.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
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Mandel Ngan | Afp | Getty Images Trump in a Truth Social post encouraged more foreign spending in the U.S., assuring that investors can bet on his economic agenda long term.—
Kevin Breuninger,Dan Mangan,Ruxandra Iordache,
CNBC,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Lu ascribes the game’s longevity to none other than community.—
Julius Miller,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Feb. 2025
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To borrow another logical principle, Hanlon's razor: Don't ascribe to malice that which can be otherwise explained by rank incompetence.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Play defense straight up and Bueckers will bury them.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
1 Apr. 2025
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The structure is made of opus reticulatum—bricks laid in a diamond pattern—and contains a volcanic rock called tuff: details suggesting high status individuals were buried here, as Artnet News’ Richard Whiddington reports.—
Sonja Anderson,
Smithsonian Magazine,
1 Apr. 2025
Video
Lay vs. Lie
Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.
Cite this Entry
“Lay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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