What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overlap
Example
The two circles overlap in the middle. [overlap: verb]
Example
There is an overlap between the two courses, with some topics covered in both. [overlap: noun]
coincide
Example
The concert coincides with my birthday. [coincide: verb]
Example
It was a coincidence that we both wore the same shirt today. [coincidence: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Coincide is more commonly used than overlap in everyday language. Coincide is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while overlap is less common and often used in technical or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between overlap and coincide?
Both overlap and coincide are neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
