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
These may include walking the dog or walking leisurely on flat surfaces. Md Published, Verywell Health, 26 June 2025 Guillemots flap-splashed away across the smooth surface of the bay. James Rebanks june 26, Literary Hub, 26 June 2025
Verb
Trump officials had a more nuanced take after news reports surfaced Tuesday about an initial Defense Intelligence Agency assessment that said the attack set back Iran's nuclear program only by months. Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 28 June 2025 Celtics trade star guard Jrue Holiday On Monday, reports surfaced about two-time NBA All-Star Jrue Holiday's future home. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025
Adjective
The battery life alone (23 minutes and 30 seconds) makes this one of the best cordless vacuums, but there are some additional unique features that helped this Eureka multi-surface model stand out to us. Alida Nugent, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2023 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 See All Example Sentences for surface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surface
Noun
  • Another common misstep is ignoring undertones, which can result in clashing colors that disrupt the overall harmony of your exterior.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 25 June 2025
  • Glow in the Dark Cars MBUX Fluid Light Paint coats the exterior of the Concept AMG GT XX.
    Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Outlook for the region In emerging markets such as those in Southeast Asia where labor costs are low, companies may feel less motivated to boost efficiency through adoption of technology.
    Bernice Ooi, CNBC, 26 June 2025
  • The Rising Star Award is selected by MFF’s Festival Director, Festival Curator and Malta’s Film Commissioner, with the goal of recognizing an emerging star who has made a break-out contribution to the international filmmaking landscape.
    Pat Saperstein, Variety, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • That, however, may be a blessing in disguise that allows Fatu to rise up the ranks on SmackDown even quicker than expected.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • The aesthetic industry, once seen as superficial, is evolving into a crucial branch of the broader longevity movement.
    Lara Devgan, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Those families tend to be all alike, regardless of the superficial differences among them.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Taiwanese air force personnel standing in front of an armed F-16V fighter jet behind two Harpoon anti-ship missiles during a drill at Hualien Air Force base on August 17, 2022.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
  • Each couple then goes on a five-minute speed date live in front of the audience.
    Ryan P. C. Trimble, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • That means naming the fear, the confusion and even the shame that might arise.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • As for cosmic weather this week, note that power struggles around ideas may arise on June 29, while July 4 could bring big ups, downs or spontaneity to relationships.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • The viral clip, which has garnered over 188,000 views since it was posted on June 23, shows the whales moving helplessly in shallow waters.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
  • The species typically lives in shallow freshwater ecosystems with muddy or silty floors.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Bowman appeared particularly dismissive toward the threat of tariffs, which many economists say could slow growth, particularly if companies absorb the cost of the duties rather than passing them on to consumers.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 June 2025
  • Video recreations like Cameron's appear across popular platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

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