superimpose

American  

[soo-per-im-pohz] / ˌsu pər ɪmˈpoʊz /

verb (used with object)

superimposed, superimposing

1. to impose, place, or set over, above, or on something else.

2. to put or join as an addition (usually followed by on orupon ).

3. 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.

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superimpose British  

/ ˌsuːpərɪmˈpəʊz /

verb

1. to set or place on or over something else

2. to add (to)

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Other Word Forms

• superimposable adjective
• superimposition noun

Etymology

Origin of superimpose

First recorded in 1785–95; super- + impose

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."

Example Sentences

The agency “did not want to intervene and superimpose last-minute, unvetted judgment into the process, as this could have been perceived as manipulating the data,” it said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 30, 2025

Through a feature called “Cameos,” users can superimpose their face or a friend’s face into any existing video.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 26, 2025

"Then we ask: Are there perturbations, or tiny changes in the flow of plasma, that we could superimpose on top of this average structure, that might grow to cause the sun's magnetic field?"

From Science Daily • May 22, 2024

The technology is able to superimpose crime scene photos down to the exact measurements because the photo will align with the data, Liscio said.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 30, 2023

Very early, however, the gringo church in our neighborhood began to superimpose itself on our family life.

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez