exceed

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb exceed contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of exceed are excel, outdo, outstrip, surpass, and transcend. While all these words mean "to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree," exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.

exceed the speed limit

When would excel be a good substitute for exceed?

Although the words excel and exceed have much in common, excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

excels in mathematics

When is it sensible to use outdo instead of exceed?

The words outdo and exceed are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

outdid herself this time

Where would outstrip be a reasonable alternative to exceed?

The synonyms outstrip and exceed are sometimes interchangeable, but outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

When could surpass be used to replace exceed?

In some situations, the words surpass and exceed are roughly equivalent. However, surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

the book surpassed our expectations

When is transcend a more appropriate choice than exceed?

While the synonyms transcend and exceed are close in meaning, transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.

transcended the values of their culture

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 exceed European showers often leave me underwhelmed (and confused), but this one exceeded my expectations. Meredith Lepore, Travel + Leisure, 29 Mar. 2025 By January, overall Medi-Cal costs had greatly exceeded the initial projection, prompting Newsom to borrow $3.4 billion to pay bills through this month. George Skelton, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2025 This rate applies two hours before an event through the end of the event for on-street parking transactions exceeding two hours, according to the city of West Sacramento. Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2025 Melvin Carey is seeking compensation exceeding $25,000 for medical costs, emotional suffering and the loss of his spouse’s companionship. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exceed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exceed
Verb
  • Green tea also surpasses the antioxidant content of coffee, which is usually roasted.
    Maria Goldbach, Vogue, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The federal government’s gross national debt has surpassed $34 trillion, a record high that foreshadows the coming political and economic challenges to improve America’s balance sheet in the coming years.
    Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In fact, plenty of research has shown that both exercise and diet can better your numbers on a handful of cardiometabolic measures, independent of any fat loss.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Maybe in the future researchers and trainers could be more hip to what these differences may be and how to better tailor strengthening and training methods accordingly.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Alabama uses tempo — relentless, unforgiving, exhausting tempo — as the fuel for averaging 90.8 points per game, tops in the nation.
    Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Eden Chuang, Menlo School swimming: The senior, an Army commit, won and qualified for CCS in three events at a West Bay Athletic League meet on Wednesday, topping the 100 breaststroke, the 200 individual medley and 200 free relay.
    Christian Babcock, The Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Yet the blue and gold had already eclipsed 120 points in the game.
    Tony East, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Jakob’s career then eclipsed those of his older brothers, with Filip and particularly Henrik now his de facto coaches.
    Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Exceed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exceed. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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