overlap 1 of 2

Definition of overlapnext
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
Noun
Nowhere is the overlap between Musk's business interests and political spending clearer than in his home state of Texas. — Luke Fountain,lora Kolodny, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026 That overlap goes well past the drivers, or even the intricate pieces that goes into both cars and cameras, says Mike Giannattasio, president of Leica Camera North America. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
At first glance, their already tight kinship, and all their many overlapping businesses, suggest that a new SpaceX-Tesla makes sense. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026 Federal agencies have overlapping jurisdiction over captive marine mammals –– for sea lions, the USDA oversees their welfare and NOAA decides who can keep them for public display. — Valerie Greene, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overlap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlap
Noun
  • Keep going down to the little beach, where two paddleboards and a handful of beach loungers (the good kind, made of fabric and with a footrest) sit at the gentle lapping edge of the sound.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The Wave percale sheets are guaranteed to lull you to sleep, like you’re being rocked by the gentle lapping of the ocean.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 13 July 2026
Verb
  • Any longer may damage your overlying skin and even give you frostbite.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • The local agricultural cooperative now struggles given the absence of irrigated agriculture in that area overlying the Ogallala.
    — Allen Best, Denver Post, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • Reddish-brown floodwater lapped into and around 80 homes in a neighborhood and 50 recreational vehicles in an RV park.
    — Mead Gruver, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Track Star Made from a crinkly nylon, these lightweight pants are incredibly airy and easy to move in—built for whatever the day brings, from morning laps to running errands.
    — Kasey Busiel, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The tech giant has already banned filters that explicitly promote cosmetic surgery, such as those overlaying pre-surgery marker lines onto skin.
    — Chloe Veltman, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The company says its system reasons through investor requirements, borrower context, guidelines, overlays, and related concepts before producing a decision path that can be reproduced and audited.
    — Ethan Stone, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overlap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlap. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on overlap

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster