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
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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
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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
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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
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8
as in to bury
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
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 godless
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of lay
Bob Mehr, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 6 Jan. 2026
Over the past decade, the company has laid the groundwork by developing an ecosystem of AI software, hardware, and simulation systems for robots and autonomous vehicles.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 6 Jan. 2026
Racquel Bazos, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2025
Its generous paddeding, cushion-back design, and lay-flat sleeper feature provide both comfort and practicality.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay
Verb
Jesse was buried in a shoebox, tied with a red ribbon, and laid to rest at Priceville Memorial Gardens in Tupelo.
—Adjective
This story has been updated to clarify that Angela Allen is the first lay head of Notre Dame Preparatory School.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay
Verb
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With her signature long waves gathered into a subtle bun at the nape of her neck, this style puts the focus on the sculptural wave framing Seyfried's face opposite a deep side part.—
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Jalen Brunson's running layup put New York up 72-62 early in the third quarter but the Blazers chipped away, pulling within 90-88 early in the fourth.—
Verb
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Her sparkling long-sleeve dress draped across her body and settled into a small train behind her.—
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Some might accept a lien or letter of protection, which meant they would not be paid until lawsuits like those that would be filed on Barb’s and Sharon’s behalf settled.—
Verb
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Leaders from countries that imposed sanctions often say that the measures are intended to bring pressure on the government and leaders of Iran.—
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But scenes like this continue to tell a different story as Iran's leadership only tightens its grip, including imposing a sweeping communications blackout that has seen the internet cut and international calls blocked.—
Verb
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Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui and Chris Williams planned to assist Fincke and Cardman in suiting up and preparing the tools and equipment that would be needed outside the space station.—
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How to prepare before strong winds approach Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.—
Verb
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The group also reported that more than 2,300 people have been arrested and that demonstrations have spread to at least 180 cities nationwide.—
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The band was also unique in allowing fans to tape the concerts, with vigorous trading of tapes helping to spread recognition of their music outside of radio play.—
Verb
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This week’s Club Sportico focuses on a series of sports betting investigations underway in college basketball, ones that could impact dozens of athletes at numerous D-I schools.—
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Also in this article is the game’s broadcast information, as well as betting information.—
Verb
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Another label, Hui Hui, creates pendants made with horse hair, which also ascribe to the nomadic trend, has secured 80 stockists in just two years, a testament to the popularity of the style.—
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The brothers ascribe some of Barb’s staying power to Purser, who was working in a movie theater when the Duffer brothers cast her.—
Verb
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Medieval Europeans moved to England consistently A press release by the University of Cambridge continued that researchers studied more than 700 chemical signatures from the teeth of people buried in England between AD 400 and 1100.—
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He will be cremated, with his ashes buried next to his parents in Joliet, Osborne said.—
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 13 Jan. 2026.
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