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
Geologists have long suspected that Afar is underlain by a mantle plume, a pillar of upwelling hot material that is helping to drive apart the overlying crust.
—
Ian Randall, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
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, 19 Apr. 2025
Much of the Floridan Aquifer is shielded significantly from downward migration of pollution by overlying layers of dense, impermeable clay.
—Kevin Spear, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlie
Ian Randall, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
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, 19 Apr. 2025
Much of the Floridan Aquifer is shielded significantly from downward migration of pollution by overlying layers of dense, impermeable clay.
—Kevin Spear, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overlie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlie
Verb
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The two phenomena involve hormonal changes and can overlap in symptoms, according to Shannon Pan, MD, a primary care physician at Inspira Health.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
27 Oct. 2025
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The agreement commits both nations to withdraw heavy weapons from border areas, clear unexploded ordinance, manage overlapping territorial zones, among other commitments to peaceful co-existence.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The apple pie flavor boasts a filling of apple purée and fresh cream on top of a graham cracker crust, all coated with a layer of chocolate.—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
22 Oct. 2025
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Drizzle over pretzels and gently stir to coat.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Dale Ellis covers the federal courthouse beat for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, reporting on criminal and civil matters that impact Arkansans.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
23 Oct. 2025
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Swapping from premium to premium, particularly to cover off the big captaincy favourites, can lead to some huge points swings, which far outweigh any four-point transfer cost.—
Holly Shand,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlie. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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