What does "overlap" mean?
Something that overlaps or is overlapped.
Overlap
/ˌəʊvəˈlæp/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Something that overlaps or is overlapped.
- Grammar: overlap is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: convergence, intersection, accord, accordance.
- Useful contrasts: disjoint, distinct features, boundary mark.
- Usage evidence: When inserting the budwood into the root stock, make the cambium layers overlap.
How to use "overlap"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "overlap" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "overlap" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "overlap" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "overlap" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "overlap" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "convergence" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "overlap", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Something that overlaps or is overlapped. intransitive, transitive
- 2 a flap that lies over another part wordnet
- 3 a situation in the game where an attacking line has more players in it than the defensive line coming to meet it. The attacking side may exploit the overlap by using their superior numbers to break the opposition's defensive line. If attackers outnumber defenders by more than one player this is often termed a two man overlap or three man overlap, etc. If the attacking side fails to break through usually due to poor execution, they are said to waste an overlap. intransitive, transitive
- 4 the property of partial coincidence in time wordnet
- 5 The payment of a spouse's or other dependant's annuity benefits concurrently with the member's benefits, on death of the member during the guarantee period. intransitive, transitive
Show 1 more definition
- 6 a representation of common ground between theories or phenomena wordnet
Verb
- 1 To extend over and partly cover something. intransitive, transitive
"The mouse-mat overlapped the edge of the desk."
- 2 coincide partially or wholly wordnet
- 3 To co-occur, to happen at the same time. intransitive, transitive
- 4 extend over and cover a part of wordnet
- 5 To have an area, range, character or function in common. intransitive, transitive
"The two maps overlapped at the east and west edges."
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 Of sets: to have some elements in common. intransitive, transitive
"The set (all men) overlaps the set (vegetarians)."
- 7 To have some similar nucleotide sequences. intransitive, transitive
- 8 An illusion of depth is created when one object partially covers another. intransitive, transitive
Antonyms
Example
"When inserting the budwood into the root stock, make the cambium layers overlap."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "overlap"?
Common synonyms include: convergence, intersection, accord, accordance, affinity, agree.
How do you use "overlap" in a sentence?
When inserting the budwood into the root stock, make the cambium layers overlap.
How do you pronounce "overlap"?
Pronounced /ˌəʊvəˈlæp/.
Etymology
From over- + lap. Cognate with Dutch overlap.