Synonyms of exceed

exceed

verb

ik-ˈsēd 

1

as in to surpass

to go beyond the limit of

by resorting to corporal punishment, the teacher had clearly exceeded his authority

Synonyms & Similar Words

• surpass
• transcend
• break
• invade
• outrun
• overrun
• overstep
• overshoot
• overreach
• outreach
• encroach
• infringe
• trespass
• overpass
• entrench
• overdo
• intrench
• overuse
• overwork
• overutilize

2

as in to better

to be greater, better, or stronger than

her knowledge of French wines exceeds that of anyone else I know

Synonyms & Similar Words

• surpass
• better
• top
• eclipse
• beat
• transcend
• excel
• overcome
• outstrip
• outdo
• outshine
• master
• outweigh
• outdistance
• defeat
• overshadow
• overtop
• outmatch
• tower (over)
• outclass
• outpace
• outgun
• best
• run rings around
• go one better
• surmount
• outrun
• worst
• run circles around
• subdue
• conquer
• outperform
• prevail (over)
• triumph (over)
• win (against)
• one-up
• crush
• trump
• lick
• shame
• trim
• outrace
• outcompete
• rout
• clobber
• whip
• overmatch
• thrash
• trounce
• overpass
• overbear
• outbalance
• wallop
• drub
• skunk

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lose (to)

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

Recent Examples of exceed

Clusters of thunderstorms can develop over the ocean when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees. —Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025

GameStop's stock has surged 10% this week, propelled by strong quarterly results that exceeded expectations. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025

Intelligent Energy's take on the problem is to develop the IE-DRIVE HD system using multiple fuel stacks that can integrate seamlessly with one another to exceed the previous industry record for such a configuration of 150 kW. —New Atlas, 15 Sep. 2025

Again, this weekend is expected to be the best mid-September frame at the box office for all movies post-Covid, exceeding $100M and besting the $93.7M from the same frame a year ago. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 13 Sep. 2025