Definition of overlienext
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of overlie The results are somewhat ambiguous as to how much ice may lurk unseen beneath layers of overlying ice-sparse material. — K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 18 Mar. 2026 But first, in order to access the SMAS, surgeons have to peel back the overlying skin. — Jolene Edgar, Allure, 16 Mar. 2026 As Taylor Glacier slides downstream, the overlying ice mass compresses the subglacial channels, building up tremendous pressure. — Simone Valesini, Wired News, 24 Feb. 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
  • What remains unclear is how much those inquiries overlap, and which contracts, payments or departments are drawing the most scrutiny.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The serum combines biomimetic peptides, a root-anchoring complex, and antioxidants to fortify hair on multiple, overlapping fronts.
    — Kate Gammon, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • This denim is highly ornamented, coated, dyed, or otherwise creatively embellished.
    — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Researchers then installed the electrodes and coated the structure with sputtered gold.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Today, Flex is largely viewed as a traditional manufacturing company, sometimes covered by industrials analysts rather than technology analysts.
    — Paul Meeks, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Alongside these are conventional effects plugins covering reverb, delay, chorus, compression, EQ, distortion/saturation, and pitch shifting.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Overlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlie. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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