surface 1 of 3

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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surface

2 of 3

verb

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

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2
as in to rise
to penetrate the surface (as of water) from below a submarine surfaced on the starboard side of the aircraft carrier

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surface

3 of 3

adjective

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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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of surface
Noun
On the surface, dietary advice to eat more vegetables hardly seems pernicious. Rachel Hope Cleves / Made By History, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025 Use parchment paper or plastic wrap will help keep your cooking surfaces clean. Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Feb. 2025
Verb
In 2023, a Venetian boat company banned the couple after images surfaced of them in a compromising position in the back of a water taxi. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 6 Feb. 2025 Bonta’s name has also surfaced in documents related to the recent indictments of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and her associates, who were indicted by federal authorities last month. Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
In it were tablets containing concentrated hand soap as well as multi-surface, glass and bathroom cleaners — and four empty containers. Susan Shain, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2023 The sub was fitted with six 533-millimeter torpedo tubes and carried a mix of both anti-surface and anti-submarine weapons. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 23 Dec. 2022 See All Example Sentences for surface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surface
Noun
  • With a very unassuming exterior, quite Zen and humble, this Japanese-centric restaurant eschews flash for flavor.
    Laura Ness, The Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2025
  • The Merino wool exterior ensures warmth, while the fleece lining is soft and cozy on my ears.
    Hannah Freedman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Unlike traditional software security, AI vulnerabilities emerge unpredictably, making one-off red-teaming exercises insufficient.
    Sam Sabin, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Virgin Voyages Adults-only cruise line Virgin Voyages – a relative newcomer to the industry – emerged as the winner in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Georgia, BetMGM found.
    Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The average tariff on all U.S. imports would rise from less than 3% to about 20%, Ashworth estimated.
    Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025
  • This change is largely driven by the rising importance of advertising and the need for repeat engagement from viewers.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • His estranged daughter Alexandra (Lizzy Caplan), a Congresswoman whose superficial resemblance to a real-life New York City politician with nearly the same name isn’t the least bit coincidental, is never around.
    Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Feb. 2025
  • These meaningful relationships can open doors, provide support and inspire growth in ways that superficial connections simply can’t match.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Past the mound and huddled behind the screen, pitching coach J.P. Martinez was joined by Webb, Verlander and Robbie Ray — one of several early indications that the accomplished front of the Giants rotation will be actively guiding the young pitchers who will comprise the rest of the group.
    Andrew Baggarly, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Then from his seat in the front row, Bad Bunny rushed up to the stage to lower the microphone.
    Lucas Villa, Rolling Stone, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Initially, speculation arose that Bybit would need to buy back ETH on a 1:1 basis to compensate affected users, potentially driving a significant price rally.
    Alice Liu, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Set in the fictional suburb of Erinsborough, Neighbours follows the lives of the residents of Ramsay Street, exploring the dramas, relationships and conflicts that arise among neighbors.
    Gabriela Silva, TVLine, 21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • It's made worse by a shallow, rubbery typing feel—keystrokes are quiet but uncomfortable.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 10 Feb. 2025
  • Other symptoms include severe depression; discharge from eyes or nose; rapid, shallow breathing, difficulty breathing; and sneezing or coughing.
    Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Byrant and Mace appear to own a property in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, together, according to documents reviewed by Newsweek.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
  • View Comments Some Google users have also begun noticing changes on Google Calendar that some say appear to deemphasize diversity.
    Josh Campbell, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 26 Feb. 2025.

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