1
as in to coat
to form a layer over
you should apply a coat of primer first, and then overlay it with two coats of paint
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to overlap
to lie over parts of one another
cedar shingles overlaying one another on the roof
Synonyms & Similar Words
Examples 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 overlay
Max then overlaid a series of motifs from Numidian culture based on research, though a certain amount had to be created from imagination.
—
Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 22 Nov. 2024
Orion is able to overlay digital imagery on the real world using a much more expensive method.
—Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 27 Sep. 2024
Her dress featured intricate designs embellished with sequins and overlaid on a sheer fabric.
—Hannah Sacks, People.com, 26 Nov. 2024
Lamont’s work overlays Elmer Fudd, Popeye, Fred Jones, and Fred Flintsone—iconic figures in white pop culture—over scenes of Black oppression and Black resistance.
—Karen K. Ho, ARTnews.com, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overlay 
Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 22 Nov. 2024
Orion is able to overlay digital imagery on the real world using a much more expensive method.
—Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 27 Sep. 2024
Her dress featured intricate designs embellished with sequins and overlaid on a sheer fabric.
—Hannah Sacks, People.com, 26 Nov. 2024
Lamont’s work overlays Elmer Fudd, Popeye, Fred Jones, and Fred Flintsone—iconic figures in white pop culture—over scenes of Black oppression and Black resistance.
—Karen K. Ho, ARTnews.com, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overlay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlay
Verb
-
Generously coat the inside of a large bundt pan with softened butter. 2.Martin Sorge, Chicago Tribune, 16 Dec. 2024
-
As wind blew air through a mesh coated with catalysts to extract nitrogen and hydrogen from water vapor, the device produced enough ammonia with a sufficiently high concentration for use as a hydroponic fertilizer – all without the need for additional electricity or radiation.New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
That variation, called the surface code, is based on two overlapping grids of physical qubits.Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 9 Dec. 2024
-
Architecture Structure and exterior design The most arresting features of the Sydney Opera House are, of course, its overlapping concrete shells, or sails.Michael Y. Park, Architectural Digest, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Sasha Hupka covers county government and elections for The Arizona Republic.Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 17 Dec. 2024
-
The Blue Mountains and the John Day-Ochoco Highlands are also covered by the warning through Tuesday morning.Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Failure to confront and anticipate social and environmental issues and their consequences is being sheeted back to boards and executives.The Sorenson Impact Institute, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
-
Some of the larger items that will be exempt from sales taxes include a portable generator with a sales price of $3,000 or less, a tarpaulin or another kind of waterproof sheeting with a sales price of $100 or below, and a ground anchor system totaling $100 or less.Eden Villalovas, Washington Examiner, 28 Aug. 2023
Thesaurus Entries Near overlay
Cite this Entry
“Overlay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlay. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share