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
As the fabric does so, an ordered network of minuscule cracks open and close in the overlying graphene layer.
—
Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 17 Sep. 2024
As a result, the top few inches of soil or rock heat up rapidly over the course of a day, and in turn warm the overlying air.
—Ned Kleiner, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2024
Then Lewis and her colleagues work to develop solutions to preserve the caves without hindering construction, such as rerouting utilities around subterranean cavities or installing manholes in overlying sidewalks to maintain access.
—Maya Wei-Haas, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 July 2024
The cameras pierced the artist’s overlying brushstrokes to reveal a sketch of an elegant and mysterious man wearing a bow tie and three rings and holding his chin.
—Fabio Pacucci, Scientific American, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for overlie 
Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 17 Sep. 2024
As a result, the top few inches of soil or rock heat up rapidly over the course of a day, and in turn warm the overlying air.
—Ned Kleiner, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2024
Then Lewis and her colleagues work to develop solutions to preserve the caves without hindering construction, such as rerouting utilities around subterranean cavities or installing manholes in overlying sidewalks to maintain access.
—Maya Wei-Haas, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 July 2024
The cameras pierced the artist’s overlying brushstrokes to reveal a sketch of an elegant and mysterious man wearing a bow tie and three rings and holding his chin.
—Fabio Pacucci, Scientific American, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for overlie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlie
Verb
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Crafted over eight decades ago by master architect Richard Neutra, this site-specific Los Angeles residence consists of two overlapping stucco and redwood cubes deftly angled into the steeply sloping terrain.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
14 Feb. 2025
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Even in a single patient, multiple overlapping triggers may be in play.—
Jamie Ducharme,
TIME,
13 Feb. 2025
Verb
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When all of the shrimp are coated, place the baking sheet into the fridge and let the shrimp chill for 15 minutes.—
Katie Workman,
Twin Cities,
3 Feb. 2025
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In some cases, products that have plastic enclosures coated with flame retardants may be able to achieve similar fire ratings by replacing the plastic with less flammable metal.—
Mack DeGeurin,
Popular Science,
30 Jan. 2025
Verb
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To break down some of the best and worst of this year’s wacky deadline, The Athletic brought together three of its writers: James L. Edwards III, who covers the New York Knicks; Darnell Mayberry, who covers the Chicago Bulls; and Josh Robbins, who covers the Washington Wizards.—
J. Robbins, J. Edwards and D. Mayberry,
The Athletic,
8 Feb. 2025
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The bottle was reportedly covered in blood and located a few feet from the Nissan, according to the warrant affidavit.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
8 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Overlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlie. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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