as in exterior
an outer part or layer
the surface of just about everything in the kitchen was covered with soot after we put the grease fire out
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to emerge
to come to one's attention especially gradually or unexpectedly
no information regarding the stolen car has surfaced since the police found it abandoned on a country road
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in superficial
lying on or affecting only the outer layer of something
a surface stain on the wood that can easily be removed with a mild detergent
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples of surface in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2024
On the surface, the scenes that unfold around the temporary intruders play for a few laughs and some distressing suspense.
—Tomris Laffly, Variety, 27 Sep. 2024
Keith Ferrazzi, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024
Those theories seemed to have been confirmed this week when reports surfaced that a listing for Marvel’s Agatha All Along range of Funko Pop figurines appear to show Death as a character.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 26 Sep. 2024
Lauren Fischer, Peoplemag, 9 Nov. 2022
Clorox’s multi-surface mist does it all.
—Jodhaira Rodriguez, Good Housekeeping, 16 Aug. 2022
See all Example Sentences for surface 
Noun
Using a Swiffer or your favorite duster, tackle each and every surface in your home once a week – don't overlook the tops of doorframes, fan blades, picture frames, and any other spots that are easy to overlook but build up over time.
Bathrooms.
—Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2024
On the surface, the scenes that unfold around the temporary intruders play for a few laughs and some distressing suspense.
—Tomris Laffly, Variety, 27 Sep. 2024
Verb
This helps to surface potential problems and innovative solutions before major decisions are made.
—Keith Ferrazzi, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024
Those theories seemed to have been confirmed this week when reports surfaced that a listing for Marvel’s Agatha All Along range of Funko Pop figurines appear to show Death as a character.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 26 Sep. 2024
Adjective
The multi-surface cleaner works with Dyson's signature de-tangling Motorbar cleaner head, a brush bar that safely captures hair and moves it along with no clogged mess.
—Lauren Fischer, Peoplemag, 9 Nov. 2022
Clorox’s multi-surface mist does it all.
—Jodhaira Rodriguez, Good Housekeeping, 16 Aug. 2022
See all Example Sentences for surface
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'surface.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.
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