as in piles
to form or arrange parts or pieces of something on top of each other; to form or arrange (something) in layers
The next step in the recipe is to layer the pasta and the sauce in the pan. We layered the fruit with whipped cream and served it with cookies.
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Recent Examples of layers
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 24 Mar. 2026
With a serum-like texture, the formula layers seamlessly under makeup, and delivers a dewy finish.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026
Here, a guest layers hers underneath a sweater, pairs with a matching ensemble, and black kitten heels–proof that even a tiny peek of white can add instant dimension to a look.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026
The event layers opera, dance, theater, and music performances on top of an already vibrant city.
—Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2026
Rather than allowing its typical lightness, Benning layers their brushstrokes purposefully so as to establish new kinds of relationships, both pictorial and material.
—Alex Bacon, Artforum, 10 Feb. 2026
But this new permanent menu item layers the fountain beverages and ice cream rather than blending them together.
—Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
In Galanin’s mercifully direct lyrics, Native dream psychology layers over intimate portrayals of kinship.
—Petala Ironcloud, Pitchfork, 20 Jan. 2026
Alternatively, the Energy Top gives a looser, more relaxed fit that still layers well and is a steal at $43.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
Look at the layers of soil and grass and measure how thick the layer of thatch is.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
Colorado Opening June 2026 White Elephant Aspen is set to introduce a modern mountain aesthetic to the area with a contemporary 54-room hotel that layers leather and stone design elements with local artwork.
—Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 24 Mar. 2026
With a serum-like texture, the formula layers seamlessly under makeup, and delivers a dewy finish.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026
Here, a guest layers hers underneath a sweater, pairs with a matching ensemble, and black kitten heels–proof that even a tiny peek of white can add instant dimension to a look.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026
The event layers opera, dance, theater, and music performances on top of an already vibrant city.
—Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2026
Rather than allowing its typical lightness, Benning layers their brushstrokes purposefully so as to establish new kinds of relationships, both pictorial and material.
—Alex Bacon, Artforum, 10 Feb. 2026
But this new permanent menu item layers the fountain beverages and ice cream rather than blending them together.
—Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
In Galanin’s mercifully direct lyrics, Native dream psychology layers over intimate portrayals of kinship.
—Petala Ironcloud, Pitchfork, 20 Jan. 2026
Alternatively, the Energy Top gives a looser, more relaxed fit that still layers well and is a steal at $43.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for layers
Noun
-
Ames had her home tested after that, and those results confirmed the house had mold − with high enough levels in the air alone that experts told the Ames family to leave their home immediately.—
Madeline Mitchell,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The Committee for Better Banks, which is helping organize union efforts alongside the CWA, hopes the movement will one day expand to Charlotte as the union pushes for higher pay, staffing levels and benefits.—
Chase Jordan
April 2,
Charlotte Observer,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The result piles more pressure on Starmer, the least popular prime minister since records began, according to some polls.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
27 Feb. 2026
-
But when snow piles up in powdery white masses, Arizonans can't resist the opportunity to play in it.—
Michael Salerno,
AZCentral.com,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The steel loops that attach it to your bag are super sturdy and durable.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The musicians presumably had to rely heavily on loops in order to finish their tracks before the buzzer went off, and something is always slamming, scratching, or puttering away in the background.—
Daniel Bromfield,
Pitchfork,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Popular tax software tiers can range from $30 to more than $100, plus additional fees for state filings.—
Amanda Greenwood,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Two main support tiers are available.—
John Brandon,
PC Magazine,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
To solve the couple's particular design puzzle, the studio came up with Light House, a vertical home that places each of the family’s major activities in its own dedicated box and playfully stacks them on top of one another.—
Stefan Ionescu
March 30,
New Atlas,
30 Mar. 2026
-
For those craving excess, the legendary Quadzilla stacks four third-pound patties with American cheese and full toppings.—
Susan Stapleton,
Des Moines Register,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Years in the making At the center of the prosecution is a sweeping federal indictment that paints a stark picture of Venezuela’s upper echelons of power, alleging that for more than two decades the country’s leadership turned the machinery of the state into a vehicle for narcotics trafficking.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Since the war began, monitors estimate that up to a third of strikes have targeted the top echelons and major bases of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and its Basij volunteers tasked with enforcing loyalty to Iran’s theocratic rulers.—
Sarah el Deeb,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
For this super laidback, windchill-ready look, Hadid wore a beanie hat over her plaits, ski goggle-like black sunglasses, and black leather gloves.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
3 Jan. 2026
-
Low-tension styles are no longer just a few neat plaits.—
Donnetta Monk,
Essence,
21 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Overly Elaborate Pleats Heavy, elaborate pleats can make curtains look stiff and overly formal, which is why designers are favoring simpler, more elegant pleat styles.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Layers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/layers. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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