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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of lay
Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025
What does that mean in lay terms?
—Vincent Danen, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
Barracuda Hotel & Villas Surrounded by nearly two dozen beaches and thousands of acres of the Atlantic Forest, the beach town of Itacaré has long been a hidden paradise for surfers and lay-low celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Gisele Bündchen.
—Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Nov. 2024
First of all, that's a long flight, and that was my first experience of a lay-flat seat, with the flight attendants at your beck and call.
—Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for lay
Adjective
The department also oversees many lay movements.
—Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025
What does that mean in lay terms?
—Vincent Danen, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
Barracuda Hotel & Villas Surrounded by nearly two dozen beaches and thousands of acres of the Atlantic Forest, the beach town of Itacaré has long been a hidden paradise for surfers and lay-low celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Gisele Bündchen.
—Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Nov. 2024
First of all, that's a long flight, and that was my first experience of a lay-flat seat, with the flight attendants at your beck and call.
—Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for lay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay
Verb
-
Scott Taylor, lead mechanical engineer for manufacturer Lockheed Martin, put the effort in perspective in a 2023 news release.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Although the premium hospitality OVG Hospitality already provides in Las Vegas, Phoenix, London and Abu Dhabi resonated with the Lightning ownership, Granger said that a desire to put a local spin on Amalie’s food and beverage offerings helped win the bid.—
Jason Clinkscales,
Sportico.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The team settled on a patient with SD Autism Spectrum disorder who had an ankle sprain but frustrated Dr. Langdon (Patrick Ball) with his endless questions.—
Chris O'Falt,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2025
-
The lawsuit was settled in 2024 for $1.85 million, according to NBC News, but the emotional damage remains.—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal,
Parents,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Trump defended his decision to impose tariffs, saying that the trade situation with U.S. partners was unsustainable and that someone needed to act.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Trump has also vowed to impose tariffs on a slew of other industries, including lumber, pharmaceuticals and copper.—
Elisabeth Buchwald,
CNN Money,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Shapiro, a Democrat, said Pennsylvania State Police woke him and his family at 2 a.m. to evacuate them as the fire spread.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Blame would eventually be spread far and wide, but absolute accountability proved complex and elusive.—
Michael Peregrine,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Another series where the heavy betting underdog has a real chance to cause problems is Knicks (3) vs. Pistons (6).—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Following its emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2021, the company bet heavy on all-electric vehicles, specifically Teslas, which cost the company billions following a significant decline in their residual values.—
Yun Li,Michael Wayland,
CNBC,
16 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Lu ascribes the game’s longevity to none other than community.—
Julius Miller,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Feb. 2025
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To borrow another logical principle, Hanlon's razor: Don't ascribe to malice that which can be otherwise explained by rank incompetence.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Most of those minerals are currently buried beneath thick sheets of previously impenetrable ice.—
Mack DeGeurin,
Popular Science,
10 Apr. 2025
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In March, the CDC buried a measles forecast that stressed the need for vaccinations, according to a report by ProPublica.—
Nathaniel Weixel,
The Hill,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
She was taken to a hospital near to the track, which is situated around 25km north of downtown Barcelona, and stayed overnight as a precaution.—
Alex Kalinauckas,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2025
-
There are 11 private campsites situated across the property in a forest or meadow.—
Jenna Blough,
Outside Online,
8 Apr. 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 23 Apr. 2025.
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