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.
Unlike typical Active Galactic Nuclei, which are extremely bright and often have large host galaxies, Little Red Dots are small — less than 100 parsecs in size — and dominated by broad emission lines superimposed on a red continuum. The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 11 Mar. 2025 Not long ago, a Cybertruck driver found that someone had plastered a bumper sticker on the vehicle that showed Musk superimposed on a swastika, making his straight-armed salute. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2025 The video has Kelce's face superimposed over DiCaprio's, and the faces of Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes, Jason Kelce, general manager Brett Veach and owner Clark Hunt superimposed on the characters of Belfort's colleagues at the now-defunct firm. Ryan Morik, Fox News, 27 Feb. 2025 There is no suggestion the actress was involved or aware of Stake’s logo being superimposed. Adam Crafton, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Superimpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superimpose. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on superimpose

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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