superimpose

verb

su·​per·​im·​pose ˌsü-pər-im-ˈpōz How to pronounce superimpose (audio)
superimposed; superimposing; superimposes

transitive verb

: to place or lay over or above something
superimposed images
superimposition noun

Did you know?

Superimposition was one of the magical effects employed by early filmmakers. Using "mirror shots", with semitransparent mirrors set at 45° angles to the scene, they would superimpose shadowy images of ghosts or scenes from a character's past onto scenes from the present. Superimposing your own ideas on something, such as a historical event, has to be done carefully, since your ideas may change whenever you learn something new about the event.

Examples of superimpose in a Sentence

A triangle superimposed on an inverted triangle forms a six-pointed star.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Paintings appear with geometric lines superimposed upon them, and certain aspects of his explorations of light and anatomy are paralleled with familiar frescos. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Nov. 2024 The actor also played with layering, superimposing a striped shirt over the T-shirt; the perfect choice for the in-between seasons. Teresa Romero Martínez, Glamour, 26 Oct. 2024 Researchers reduced the film’s illumination and superimposed a gray box on the projection area, obscuring the movie. Simon Makin, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 2024 The intimacy of romance is superimposed onto a sugary indulgence. Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for superimpose 

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of superimpose was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near superimpose

Cite this Entry

“Superimpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superimpose. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

superimpose

verb
su·​per·​im·​pose ˌsü-pə-rim-ˈpōz How to pronounce superimpose (audio)
: to place or lay over or above something
superimposition noun

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