Overlap

/ˌəʊvəˈlæp/ · verb

Meaning

To extend over and partly cover something..

Definitions by Sense

1. To extend over and partly cover something.
2. To co-occur, to happen at the same time.
3. To have an area, range, character or function in common.
4. (mathematics) Of sets: to have some elements in common.
5. (genetics) To have some similar nucleotide sequences.
6. (art) An illusion of depth is created when one object partially covers another.
7. Something that overlaps or is overlapped.
8. (rugby) 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.

Example Sentences

The mouse-mat overlapped the edge of the desk.

The two maps overlapped at the east and west edges.

Memento unfolds over 22 scenes—or, more accurately, 22 strands of time, the main strand (in color) moving backward in increments, and another strand (in black and white) going forward, though the two overlap profoundly.

The set (all men) overlaps the set (vegetarians).

Synonyms for overlap

Antonyms for overlap

Related Words

Word Forms

• overlaps
• overlapping
• overlapped

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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