surpass

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb surpass contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of surpass are exceed, excel, outdo, outstrip, and transcend. While all these words mean "to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree," surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

the book surpassed our expectations

When might exceed be a better fit than surpass?

Although the words exceed and surpass have much in common, exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.

exceed the speed limit

Where would excel be a reasonable alternative to surpass?

The meanings of excel and surpass largely overlap; however, excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

excels in mathematics

In what contexts can outdo take the place of surpass?

The words outdo and surpass can be used in similar contexts, but outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

outdid herself this time

When is it sensible to use outstrip instead of surpass?

While in some cases nearly identical to surpass, outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

When can transcend be used instead of surpass?

While the synonyms transcend and surpass 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 surpass These capabilities far surpass those of previous telescopes, allowing scientists to uncover details that were once out of reach. Victoria Corless, Space.com, 20 Mar. 2025 After Suarez surpassed the one-minute time limit imposed on other speakers, people in the commission chambers began to boo and drown out the Miami mayor’s comments. Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 19 Mar. 2025 Roborock has ascended to the top of the pile in terms of the global robot vacuum market, surpassing iRobot in both the volume of units shipped and total revenue generated. Paul Lamkin, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 Canada has also seen the Liberal Party surge rapidly in recent polls, either tying or surpassing the previously dominant Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre. Rachel Treisman, NPR, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for surpass

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Surpass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surpass. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on surpass

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!