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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Examples 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
Navajo settlement:Opposition surfaces as deadline nears to ratify tribal water settlement in Arizona That time when plywood saved a dam A final note about the Colorado River. Shaun McKinnon, The Arizona Republic, 10 Dec. 2024 This award-winning short film demonstrates the importance of using storytelling as a means to bring issues hidden under the surface to light. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
Investigators and some extremism researchers are looking into whether there's evidence of a clear ideology behind the UnitedHealthcare CEO's killing after details about suspect Luigi Mangione surfaced online. Brittney Melton, NPR, 11 Dec. 2024 The brothers — who had been synonymous with Manhattan’s luxury real estate market before allegations against them first surfaced earlier this year — were arrested in Miami on Wednesday morning. Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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 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 See all Example Sentences for surface 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surface
Noun
  • But that weight, along with its brick-like exterior shape, limits range to the aforementioned 240 miles, despite its sizable (and heavy) 116 kWh battery pack.
    Karl Brauer, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Its restoration involved repairing holes in its metal exterior and giving it a new coat of paint, plus the installation of a small storage box outside.
    Adam Williams, New Atlas, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Just minutes after the Soto news broke, reports emerged that the Dodgers had agreed to a two-year, $22 million contract with 2024 World Series hero Blake Treinen.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Saturday 30th November emerged as a key shopping day, with the peak shopping minute occurring at 8:01 a.m. on Sunday 1st December.
    Catherine Erdly, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Studies reveal that in recent years, burnout among women has risen from 38% to 42% - a concern that is both pertinent and widespread.
    Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
  • China accounted for part of the latest downgrade, with Chinese oil demand expected to rise by 430,000 bpd in 2024, down from 760,000 bpd increase predicted in July.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • This means focusing on clear expectations, meaningful work and genuine connections rather than superficial engagement initiatives like culture surveys that don’t result in any positive change.
    Cynthia Pong, JD, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
  • The tribute left social media users divided, with some criticizing Stamos’ gesture as superficial.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 19 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • First lady Jill Biden told several dozen military children who sat in front of her on the floor of the East Room facing two large glittering Christmas trees flanking the doorway that they are loved.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 14 Dec. 2024
  • He was arrested for a DUI and handcuffed with his hands in front of him.
    Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Following the shootings, questions have arisen over whether female mass shooters are on the rise.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
  • This can pave the way for slower deliveries and fractured relationships when any form of inefficiency arises.
    Dmytro Spilka, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Plans would likely include increasing supplemental food supply to the fish, which typically feed on algae, invertebrates and other micro-organisms found on a shallow rock shelf within the pool.
    Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Place red and green sanding sugar in 2 separate large shallow dishes.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The photos appear to have been taken from a camera in a cab, which authorities believe the suspect boarded after the shooting and show him wearing a blue medical mask and a hooded jacket.
    John Bacon, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2024
  • The drones appear to be significantly larger than those widely available to hobbyists.
    Alyce McFadden, New York Times, 8 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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