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
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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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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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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
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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
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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
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as in laic
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of lay
Phil Clark, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2017
Whether viewed as a romp, a relic, or a route to commiseration, the series about four friends trying to find love (or at least a good lay) in the world’s most competitive concrete jungle has stood the test of time.
—John Ortved, Vogue, 29 June 2024
Catherine Baab-Muguira, Quartz, 31 July 2024
The book is insightful, clearly written, well informed, free of legal jargon, and accessible to a lay audience as well as informative to lawyers, judges, and law professors.
—Richard A. Posner, Foreign Affairs, 11 Sep. 2015
See all Example Sentences for lay 
Noun
These courts, which sat every week under trees and in village courtyards across Rwanda, heard more than one million cases and were overseen by lay judges who could hand down sentences as severe as life imprisonment (although most consisted merely of community service).
—Phil Clark, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2017
Whether viewed as a romp, a relic, or a route to commiseration, the series about four friends trying to find love (or at least a good lay) in the world’s most competitive concrete jungle has stood the test of time.
—John Ortved, Vogue, 29 June 2024
Adjective
This dramatic YouTube video breaks down the Jungian shadow for a lay audience.
—Catherine Baab-Muguira, Quartz, 31 July 2024
The book is insightful, clearly written, well informed, free of legal jargon, and accessible to a lay audience as well as informative to lawyers, judges, and law professors.
—Richard A. Posner, Foreign Affairs, 11 Sep. 2015
See all Example Sentences for lay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay
Verb
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The refusal to vacate has put the county in untested legal waters.Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024
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After putting his 7-year-old niece in an upstairs bedroom, Corcoran loaded his semiautomatic rifle and fatally shot his brother, his brother's two friends and Turner.Joseph Dits, The Indianapolis Star, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
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In recent years, programs such as grants to settle in Tuscan villages, and Mediterranean islands that sell homes for less than the price of a cup of coffee, have presented tempting opportunities for aspiring expats.Daniel de Visé, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
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In 2021, Prime, Reddy and one of Prime’s doctors agreed to pay $37.5 million to settle allegations that Prime paid the doctor kickbacks for patient referrals, among other allegations.Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Even if Beijing is selective in issuing threats and imposing restrictions, taking action against some U.S. partners but not others, the same chill will be running through capitals across the world, from Brussels to New Delhi.Daniel H. Rosen, Foreign Affairs, 17 Dec. 2024
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In July, California imposed permanent water restrictions on towns and cities, an attempt to locally respond to droughts that are expected to only get worse in the coming decades.Elizabeth Rush, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Weary soldiers and citizens express fatalistic optimism while preparing for the loss of U.S. military support.Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 2024
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As millions prepare to fly for the holidays, the Federal Aviation Administration is warning travelers about a hidden danger in their luggage: lithium-ion batteries.Ash-har Quraishi, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Kaitlyn, who teaches third grade, is already spreading her love of Swift to her young charges.Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
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With these conditions, wildfires could spread very quickly.Max Golembo, ABC News, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Predictive betting website Polymarket is offering odds on the future of homicide suspect Luigi Mangione.Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
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Bookie returns to Max December 12 with a familiar face and the appearance of two TV comedy vets who were recruited to help spice up the action around the sports betting world.Lynette Rice, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
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That’s how much value Morgan Stanley analysts led by Adam Jones ascribe to Tesla’s auto business, less than a fifth of Tesla’s current share price, while holding a buy rating for the company on similar optimism on AI and robotics.Derek Saul, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024
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This is Rasoulof showing us in visceral terms what likely happened to Amini herself, whose death authorities ascribed to a stroke while in hospital.Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Glutamatergic neurons buried deep in the LH emerged as strong and unexpected contenders.Michael Irving, New Atlas, 8 Dec. 2024
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The mother picked Willie up, still dripping, the boy’s arm doing a funny thing, his face buried in her neck.Lauren Groff, The New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2024
Video
Lay vs. Lie
Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.
Thesaurus Entries Near lay
Cite this Entry
“Lay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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