Synonyms of surpass

surpass

verb

sər-ˈpas 

1

as in to exceed

to be greater, better, or stronger than

she always tried to surpass her older brother at anything he did

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lose (to)

2

as in to transcend

to go beyond the limit of

the sales of the band's newest CD have surpassed the combined sales of its last two albums

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

Recent Examples of surpass

That will surpass Apollo 13’s distance record, making Artemis astronauts the most remote travelers. —Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026

Adidas’ revenue was 50% larger, while Reebok was gaining traction and would surpass Nike in revenue by 1987. —Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 1 Apr. 2026

James surpassed himself as the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double. —Megan Armstrong, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026

Apple first became the world’s most valuable company in 2011, passing Exxon Mobil, and held that title for large chunks of the decade plus that followed, occasionally getting surpassed by Alphabet or Microsoft. —Jennifer Elias, CNBC, 1 Apr. 2026