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lay

[ley] / leɪ /
ADJECTIVE
amateur, not trained in a religious or other profession
Synonyms
Antonyms






VERB
design, plan
Synonyms


VERB
bet, wager
Synonyms
NOUN
a song or poem
Synonyms


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.

Thousands of climate negotiators are in Bonn this week and next to draft agreements and lay the groundwork for the final decisions taken by political leaders at the summit due to start November 9.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

An investigation has uncovered a series of alleged safeguarding failings linked to an east Belfast church where a man with 45 convictions was appointed as a lay pastor.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

I lay these facts alongside my decision to become a writer.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

They manned the factories that built the arsenal that won World War II. Now a new generation will pour the foundations and lay the fiber that secures American economic strength for a new age.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Then I heard what must have been the squeak of bed-springs as she lay down.

From "Firegirl" by Tony Abbott




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