overlap
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for overlap, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To extend over part of something else, partly covering it.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use overlap
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From over- + lap (in the sense of one thing folding or lying over another); related to Dutch overlap.
Full origin of overlap →Frequently asked questions
What does “overlap” mean?
The word “overlap” means to extend over part of something else, partly covering it. In plain terms, two things partly covering, sharing, or coinciding with each other.
How do you pronounce “overlap”?
“Overlap” is pronounced oh-vuh-LAP (/ˌəʊvəˈlæp/ in IPA).
How do you use “overlap” in a sentence?
Here is “overlap” used in a sentence: “The tiles are laid so each one overlaps the next.”
What part of speech is “overlap”?
Depending on how it is used, “overlap” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “overlap” come from?
The word “overlap” comes from Dutch. From over- + lap (in the sense of one thing folding or lying over another); related to Dutch overlap.
Is “overlap” a common word?
“Overlap” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “overlap” have?
“Overlap” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to extend over part of something else, partly covering it.
What is the difference between overlap and intersect?
Overlap means to extend over part of something else or to share part of the same time, space, or subject matter, while intersect more specifically means to cross at a point. Two schedules can overlap without literally crossing, but overlap is the more natural word for shared time or content.
Can overlap be used as both a noun and a verb?
Yes, overlap functions as both. As a verb it means to partly cover or share something with another thing, and as a noun it refers to the shared part itself, as in there is some overlap between the two reports.
What is the difference between overlap and duplicate?
Overlap describes partial sharing, where two things coincide in only some respects, while duplicate implies something is copied or repeated in full. Two job roles might overlap in a few duties without either role duplicating the other.