1
as in putting
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
as in settling
to cause to come to rest at the bottom (as of a liquid)
the rain was just hard enough to lay the dust in the air
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in imposing
to establish or apply as a charge or penalty
state officials tried to lay a tax on merchandise sold over the Internet
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in preparing
to make ready in advance
she's laying plans for the charity auction months ahead of time
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5
as in spreading
to put a layer of on a surface
the mason laid mortar over the first row of bricks before starting the second
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in betting
to risk (something) on the outcome of an uncertain event
I'll lay five dollars that you can't do it
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7
as in attributing
to explain (something) as being the result of something else
an electrical fire that was laid to faulty wiring
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8
as in burying
to place (a dead body) in the earth, a tomb, or the sea
lay the corpse to rest
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laying
Verb
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The Giants had the sixth pick, putting them out of range of landing any of the top three quarterbacks in the draft.—
Dan Duggan,
The Athletic,
3 Jan. 2025 -
The aviation analytics firm found that less than 75% of JetBlue's flights arrived on schedule, putting the airline behind all the major domestic carriers, including some of its low-cost rivals.—
Kate Gibson,
CBS News,
3 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The Vikings, settling in the late eighth century, found the islands covered in prehistoric sites.—
Peter Ross,
Smithsonian Magazine,
8 Jan. 2025
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The evacuation comes on the heels of Affleck settling his divorce from Jennifer Lopez on Monday.—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
8 Jan. 2025
Verb
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It could be argued that imposing retaliatory tariffs on electricity exports might encourage American states to seek more cost-effective energy alternatives, particularly those based on fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas.—
Ali Hoss,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
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These executive orders have addressed a broad range of policy areas, including imposing tariffs that has escalated trade tensions and provoked retaliatory measures from foreign governments.—
Hannah Parry,
Newsweek,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The Special artist is also preparing to take on her first lead movie role as she was recently cast as gospel star Sister Rosetta Tharpe, who was one of the first to appeal to rock ‘n’ roll and R&B audiences, in Amazon MGM Studios’ Rosetta.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
13 Apr. 2025
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As the case was preparing to go to trial, in May 2004, the parties settled.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Travis Scott is spreading holiday cheer in his hometown of Houston!—
Rachel DeSantis,
People.com,
24 Dec. 2024
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In November, with avian flu spreading, the agriculture and public health departments jointly issued information and guidance for consumers about milk safety, raw milk and the rules in Connecticut.—
Jan Ellen Spiegel,
Hartford Courant,
24 Dec. 2024
Verb
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This loyalty program gives customers the chance to redeem betting bonuses and discounts.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
15 Mar. 2025
-
Sports betting operators have no influence over newsroom coverage.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
15 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Critics argue that attributing human-like emotions to AI is a form of anthropomorphism, where the complex processes of AI optimization are mistakenly equated with human feelings.—
Luis E. Romero,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
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Schwieterman also has his own concerns about attributing this signature to DMS.—
Perri Thaler,
Space.com,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
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And if the administration is worried about tariffs policy placing short-term inflation pressure on the economy, that would make sense.—
Kevin Williams,
CNBC,
22 Mar. 2025
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What is not seen in the rendering, but what city leaders say the Plaza’s new owners have raised consistently in meetings, is the possibility of placing a boutique hotel someplace in the interior of the Plaza.—
Eric Adler,
Kansas City Star,
21 Mar. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Laying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laying. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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