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
Relevance
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
The peak itself is the glaciated remains of an old volcano, overlying the granite block which dominates the Sierra farther south, according to the Donner Summit Association.
—
Lauren Chapman, Sacbee.com, 18 Feb. 2026
However, those sea surface temperatures will be far warmer than the overlying air temperatures.
—Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Contaminated sediment can release PFAS back into the overlying water, where fish and aquatic birds can ingest it.
—Christy Remucal, The Conversation, 28 Jan. 2026
These pulses, the team says, are closely tied to overlying tectonic plates and play a key role in the slow rifting of the African continent.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlie
Lauren Chapman, Sacbee.com, 18 Feb. 2026
However, those sea surface temperatures will be far warmer than the overlying air temperatures.
—Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Contaminated sediment can release PFAS back into the overlying water, where fish and aquatic birds can ingest it.
—Christy Remucal, The Conversation, 28 Jan. 2026
These pulses, the team says, are closely tied to overlying tectonic plates and play a key role in the slow rifting of the African continent.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlie
Verb
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The long passing move which started from a short goal kick by Yassine Bounou ended in an overlapping Hakimi finding Bilal El Khannouss’ run into the penalty area.—
Ahmed Walid,
New York Times,
5 June 2026
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The effect depends on how much the zinc oxide and tellurium layers overlap inside the structure.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
5 June 2026
Verb
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Typically this involves coating the inside with cooking oil and turning the smoker on to burn off any residue and re-season it.—
Maria Sabella,
The Spruce,
4 June 2026
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Add the rice and stir to coat in the oil.—
Emily Weinstein,
Twin Cities,
4 June 2026
Verb
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The cameras on each phone had been covered with painter’s tape, which authorities believe was intended to prevent his surroundings from being recorded.—
Julianna Bragg,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
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The red leather booths and wooden bar date back to the early 20th century and the walls are covered in flags from American universities.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlie. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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