superimpose
Americanverb (used with object)
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to impose, place, or set over, above, or on something else.
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to put or join as an addition (usually followed by on orupon ).
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to display or print (an image or text) over another image so that both are visible at once.
You can superimpose open captions on your videos with this free software.
verb
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to set or place on or over something else
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to add (to)
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
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have superimposedperfect
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is superimposingprogressive 3rd person singular
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have been superimposingperfect progressive
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has superimposedperfect 3rd person singular
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superimposingparticiple
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are superimposingprogressive
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has been superimposingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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superimposessingular 3rd person
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am superimposingprogressive 1st person singular
Past
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had superimposedperfect
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were superimposingprogressive plural
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superimposedparticiple
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was superimposingprogressive singular
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superimposedsimple
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had been superimposingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of superimpose
Explanation
Superimpose means laying one thing on top of another. It's often used to describe images in a photo collage — like the superimposed image of a skyscraper on the surface of the moon. The verb superimpose is typically used in graphics or photography to describe how images can be put on top of one another for dramatic effect. Use it also to show adding your own take on something, or when you try to have an impact on someone's behavior: "She tried to superimpose her ideas of perfection onto the lazy habits of her children."
Vocabulary lists containing superimpose
Power Prefix: super-
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"What, of This Goldfish, Would You Wish?" Vocabulary from the short story
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100 SAT words Beginning with "S"
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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.
Architect Ruben Bergambagt of Superimpose says the design needs “ultimate flexibility” to anticipate future experiments.
From The Guardian • Jul. 18, 2018
Superimpose an outline of the devastated acreage of the Carlton Complex and Tripod Fires on a map of the Okanogan National Forest and the extent of the damage comes into sharp focus.
From National Geographic • Aug. 9, 2015
Superimpose Draghi’s optimistic picture on the harsh experiences of Greece and Spain, where unemployment is also hovering around 25%, and you get something akin to a drawing by Dutch graphic artist M.C.
From Time • Jan. 17, 2013
Hard cubes of lemon Superimpose themselves upon the fronts of buildings As the windows light up.
From Men, Women and Ghosts by Lowell, Amy
Superimpose a map of that Province on a map of Canada and we find that the great Mackenzie waterway which we are to follow cuts Tobolsk almost directly through the centre.
From The New North by Cameron, Agnes Deans
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
