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Dictionary.com
Definitions

lay to

VERB
blame
Synonyms
STRONGEST
attribute charge chide condemn criticize denounce indict
STRONG
admonish ascribe blast censure disapprove finger frame impute knock rap rebuke reprehend reproach reprove roast saddle skin tax upbraid
WEAK
blow the whistle on climb all over denunciate express disapprobation find fault with hold responsible jump all over jump down one's throat lay a bad trip on lay at one's door let one have it lower the boom pass the buck point the finger stick it to
Antonyms
STRONGEST
absolve acquit approve compliment exonerate free laud praise
STRONG
endorse flatter sanction
WEAK
applaud commend exalt exculpate thank

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Spaniards journeyed in that direction until a friendly guide told Coronado that Quivira actually lay to the north.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

This report has been long-awaited and the government is hoping it will lay to rest the argument over how best to carry power from the new offshore windfarms in the North Sea.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2025

The finale should finally lay to rest speculation that Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, who have a lucrative production deal with Netflix, were able to wield influence over the Emmy-winning series.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 15, 2023

Who will correct my every lay to lie?

From Salon • Jan. 8, 2023

It seemed to him the lane lay to the north, though he couldn’t be certain about that.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson