as in lapping
a partial covering of one thing by an adjoining member
the orthodontist will try to fix that overlap of two of your upper incisors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in to overlie
to lie over parts of one another
the brochures on the display table should overlap but not so much that the titles are obscured
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 overlap
Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
More than half of the route overlaps the North County National Scenic Trail.
—Madeline Mitchell, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
In recent years, the Picnic lineup has overlapped with the Outlaw Music artists.
—Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
This ongoing, overlapping cycle makes ovarian function complex and dynamic.
—Karina Zaiets, USA Today, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlap
Verb
Since taking office, however, Trump has appointed many people involved with Project 2025 to key roles in his second administration, and many of the president’s policies overlap with policy suggestions made in Project 2025.
—Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
More than half of the route overlaps the North County National Scenic Trail.
—Madeline Mitchell, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
In recent years, the Picnic lineup has overlapped with the Outlaw Music artists.
—Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
This ongoing, overlapping cycle makes ovarian function complex and dynamic.
—Karina Zaiets, USA Today, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlap
Verb
-
This finding indicates that the ecosystem was no longer being sustained by the nutrients from the hydrothermal system being released into the overlying ocean.—
David Bressan,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Mantle plumes are convectional upwellings of hot material from the deep mantle that can cause localized melting and deformations to the overlying crust.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The average viewer’s mind will outright reject it — so, of course, the cartoonishly evil VIPs lap it up.—
Proma Khosla,
IndieWire,
28 June 2025
-
Bathers can cool off in some of the lower pools, where lapping waves keep the temperatures mild (at high tide, some even become completely submerged), or walk down the beach for a salty cold plunge into the Atlantic Ocean.—
Zoe Baillargeon,
Travel + Leisure,
28 June 2025
Verb
-
Smart Glasses: Provide minimal immersion; digital content is overlaid in the real world, allowing users to remain aware of their surroundings at all times.—
Tim Bajarin,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
For game shooting, Purdey favored a dogtooth pattern, overlaid with a lighter windowpane check.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overlap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlap. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share