1
as in to put
to arrange something in a certain spot or position
just lay the book over there on the table for now
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in to impose
to establish or apply as a charge or penalty
state officials tried to lay a tax on merchandise sold over the Internet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to prepare
to make ready in advance
she's laying plans for the charity auction months ahead of time
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in to spread
to put a layer of on a surface
the mason laid mortar over the first row of bricks before starting the second
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
7
as in to ascribe
to explain (something) as being the result of something else
an electrical fire that was laid to faulty wiring
Synonyms & Similar Words
8
as in to bury
to place (a dead body) in the earth, a tomb, or the sea
lay the corpse to rest
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in ballad
a short musical composition for the human voice often with instrumental accompaniment
she sang a short lay in dedication to her husband
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in work
the activity by which one regularly makes a living
my main lay is as a general contractor, but I do side work as a carpenter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in laic
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of lay
Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2025
Its generous paddeding, cushion-back design, and lay-flat sleeper feature provide both comfort and practicality.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Aug. 2025
Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 27 Oct. 2025
King Charles attended the monument’s dedication ceremony on Monday, where he was photographed laying a bouquet of flowers.
—Samantha Riedel, Them., 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay
Verb
Slavin and running mate Peter Antico may be obscure to the lay entertainment consumer but are familiar figures within SAG-AFTRA politics.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2025
Its generous paddeding, cushion-back design, and lay-flat sleeper feature provide both comfort and practicality.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Aug. 2025
Noun
Adults emerge from the pupae and begin feeding, mating and laying eggs.
—Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 27 Oct. 2025
King Charles attended the monument’s dedication ceremony on Monday, where he was photographed laying a bouquet of flowers.
—Samantha Riedel, Them., 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay
Verb
-
China has been building the world’s largest navy, launching high-tech warships at a frenetic pace under the leadership of Xi Jinping, putting pressure on the United States and its Pacific allies to keep pace.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
26 Oct. 2025
-
In addition to Hermitage Farm, Laura Lee Brown and Wilson, who also founded the 21c Museum Hotel chain, have put more than 2,400 acres of land in agriculture conservation easements in Oldham County.—
Maggie Menderski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Steve Coppell’s team were settled and, in Wright and Mark Bright, blessed with one of the most potent strike partnerships in the country.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Then, a month after Sheen settled in, a typhoon destroyed over half of the sets created for the film, causing production to halt once again.—
Angela Andaloro,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Judge Steven Denny imposed the 60-year sentence that same day.—
Christina Coulter,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
-
He was forced to accept it, because it was imposed on him.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
At the beginning of the week, prepare foods like bean burritos or steamed vegetables to add to salads.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Graduates complete the program prepared to join the workforce of intelligence professionals.—
Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Affairs,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The idea spread around campus after it was discussed with the Yell Leaders, and the tradition was born that evening.—
Jordy Fee-Platt,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Reactions to the extraordinary news spread quickly, ranging from surprise to anger at the league itself, according to five people who work inside or closely with the NBA, all of whom were granted anonymity because they were not permitted to speak publicly about the matter.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The Ho-Chunk Nation recently filed a lawsuit against sports betting companies Kalshi and Robinhood.—
Hope Karnopp,
jsonline.com,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Since the Supreme Court struck down a federal ban on sports betting in 2018, the league has embroiled itself in a matrix of relationships with sports-betting operators, including its official partners DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM.—
Sally Jenkins,
The Atlantic,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The brothers ascribe some of Barb’s staying power to Purser, who was working in a movie theater when the Duffer brothers cast her.—
Eliana Dockterman,
Time,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Johnson reached a similar conclusion with respect to Gaines’ attempt to ascribe state action to the NCAA.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Alongside Moore, coach Bill Petersen had the sod buried to commemorate the win, and a tradition was born.—
Jordy Fee-Platt,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Archaeologists concluded the structure was actually a false tomb, or a cenotaph, a type of burial monument erected to honor a deceased person buried elsewhere.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
24 Oct. 2025
Video
Lay vs. Lie
Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.
Cite this Entry
“Lay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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