Thesaurus

lay

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of LAY

1
to arrange something in a certain spot or position <just lay the book over there on the table for now>
2
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 lay, sediment
Near Antonyms agitate, disturb, mix, stir
Antonyms raise
3
to establish or apply as a charge or penalty <state officials tried to lay a tax on merchandise sold over the Internet>
Synonyms assess, charge, exact, fine, lay, levy, put
Antonyms remit
4
to make ready in advance <she's laying plans for the charity auction months ahead of time>
Synonyms fit, fix, groom, lay, prep, ready
5
to put a layer of on a surface <the mason laid mortar over the first row of bricks before starting the second>
Synonyms apply, lay, lay on
Near Antonyms bare, expose, peel, strip, uncover
6
to risk (something) on the outcome of an uncertain event <I'll lay five dollars that you can't do it>
Synonyms gamble, go, lay, play, put, stake, wager
7
to explain (something) as being the result of something else <an electrical fire that was laid to faulty wiring>
Related Words blame, charge, father (on), impute (to), pin (on); assign, refer; associate, attach, connect, link
8
to place (a dead body) in the earth, a tomb, or the sea <lay the corpse to rest>

Browse

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears