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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of surface
Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Mar. 2025
On the surface, parity seems to have been achieved: At the Grand Slams, there are equal numbers of men’s and women’s matches on the main courts.
—Gavriella Epstein-Lightman, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
Kevin Williams, Quartz, 18 Mar. 2025
In early March, rumors surfaced of the fast fashion brand filing for bankruptcy for the second time, affecting potentially 200 stores, Syracuse.com reported.
—Escher Walcott, People.com, 17 Mar. 2025
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
Noun
Cutouts in the top make way for undermount sinks; a little sanding removed the surface's finish to differentiate the countertop from the dresser frame.
—Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Mar. 2025
On the surface, parity seems to have been achieved: At the Grand Slams, there are equal numbers of men’s and women’s matches on the main courts.
—Gavriella Epstein-Lightman, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
Another issue cruise lines have faced is last month reports surfaced that cruise giant Royal Caribbean almost failed a Center for Disease Control inspection, which highlights the health concerns that can quickly turn paradise into a petri dish.
—Kevin Williams, Quartz, 18 Mar. 2025
In early March, rumors surfaced of the fast fashion brand filing for bankruptcy for the second time, affecting potentially 200 stores, Syracuse.com reported.
—Escher Walcott, People.com, 17 Mar. 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
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One of those earlier safety campaigns, in June of last year, pertained to trim pieces along the exterior of the trunk bed that could come loose while driving.—
Bloomberg,
The Mercury News,
20 Mar. 2025
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For clever organization, snag the Lark Manor Thurleigh Ottoman, which has a soft fleece exterior, can double as seating, and hides a storage compartment.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
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There are a few strands in this emerging, important debate to draw out.—
Mike O'Sullivan,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
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Having new bidders emerging when teams like the Celtics hit the market is good news for anyone with a vested interest in franchise appreciation.—
Eben Novy-Williams,
Sportico.com,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Arizona runs an aggressive, attack-minded offense led by Caleb Love — a volatile but fearless scorer who might go cold for stretches, yet somehow always rises to the moment when the game’s on the line.—
Tobias Bass,
The Athletic,
23 Mar. 2025
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More footage circulating online shows clouds of smoke rising into the sky, visible from the nearby Boardwalk area just outside Epcot's gates.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Her framework moves beyond superficial advice, addressing the root causes of insecurity while offering practical tools for lasting change.—
Angela Lei,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
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Due to its mild alkaline (acid-reducing) effect and abrasive texture, baking soda can help remove superficial stains and reduce bacteria in the mouth.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Health,
27 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
There are disc brakes in the front and back with beach cruiser pedals for extra comfort.—
BestReviews,
The Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2025
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Bottom line: The young fellow knows how to get up front and stay there.—
Guy Martin,
Forbes.com,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Fluoridation was initially smeared as a communist plot against America, Hayes said, and then later fears arose of possible links to cancer, which were refuted through extensive scientific research.—
Brett Kelman,
CNN Money,
29 Mar. 2025
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And that reluctance and confusion arises, in part, because of just how random the death penalty can be.—
Brenna Ehrlich,
Rolling Stone,
29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
There are multiple issues with this shallow excuse.—
Gavriella Epstein-Lightman,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Mar. 2025
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And like the community’s morel mushrooms that seem to grow well over shallow, hastily dug graves, there’s a sense of mulchy inevitability about it.—
Joshua Rothkopf,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Since then a federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction against the dismantling of the agency, but the memo appears to indicate that the administration has plans to continue its mission of drastically cutting USAID and fully folding it into the State Department.—
Vittoria Elliott,
WIRED,
20 Mar. 2025
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Her writing has appeared in Vogue, GQ, Harper’s Bazaar, W, T: The New York Times Style Magazine, WSJ, and System among others.—
Laia Garcia-Furtado,
Vogue,
20 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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