superimpose

IPA/ˌsuːpərɪmˈpəʊz/
KK[sˌupɚəmpˈoz]IPA/ˌsuːpərɪmˈpəʊz/

superimpose — verb

  • superimposepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • superimposeshe / she / it
  • superimposedpast simple
  • superimposing-ing form

1. to set one visual item such as an image, layer, or piece of text directly over a

1.verbtransitiveC1
Definition

to set one visual item such as an image, layer, or piece of text directly over another so that both remain visible together

Example

Bao superimposed the company logo onto a photo of the city skyline.

superimpose + logo + onto + photo

With the editing tool, Hoa superimposed English subtitles over the original film scenes.

preposition over | passive underlying scene stays visible

Common collocations
  • superimpose an image onto a background
  • superimpose text over a photograph
  • superimpose a grid on a map
  • superimpose layers in editing software
Synonyms
  • overlay

    Very close; overlay often implies the top layer is transparent or semi-transparent, while superimpose focuses on exact positioning with the lower content still visible.

  • layer

    Simpler, less precise; layering can mean stacking multiple items without the requirement that each lower layer remains clearly visible.

  • superpose

    Technical synonym used mainly in mathematics and physics; less common in everyday design contexts.

Antonyms
  • separate

    To move apart rather than place together.

  • remove

    To take away one element instead of adding another on top.

Grammar Patterns

superimpose + [object] + on/onto + [surface]

Usage Note

Common in photography, graphic design, and scientific imaging. The direct object is typically a visual element such as an image, text, grid, or layer. Common prepositions: on, onto, over.

Common Mistakes

She superimposed the sticker over the old label, hiding it completely.
She placed the sticker over the old label, hiding it completely.
'superimpose' specifically means the lower item stays visible, not hidden.

Word family

  • superimposition
    nounC2
  • superimposed
    adjectiveC1
  • superimposable
    adjectiveC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

All four words involve placing things in relation to each other, but they differ in precision and domain. 'Superimpose' is the most specific: it means putting one visual element directly on top of another while keeping the lower content visible. 'Overlay' is the closest synonym and is often interchangeable, though overlay can suggest a transparent or decorative top layer (e.g., overlaying a watermark). 'Layer' is a broader everyday verb that simply means stacking items (e.g., layering clothes or cake ingredients), without requiring one item to be visible through another. 'Superpose' is a technical variant used mostly in geometry and physics. 'Overlap' differs in that it describes partial covering — one item extends over part of another, rather than being placed precisely on top. For a design project, you would superimpose a logo over an image; for casual stacking, you would layer items; for partial covering at the edges, you would overlap them.

overlay ↗layer ↗superposeoverlap ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word comes from Latin 'super' meaning 'above, over' plus 'imponere' meaning 'to place upon' (from 'in-' 'upon' + 'ponere' 'to put'). It entered English via French in the late 1700s, originally used in the context of printing and engraving where one image was printed on top of another.

First known use

1611

1611, in the meaning defined above