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
• master
• outpace
• tower (over)
• overshadow
• outgun
• defeat
• outrun
• outweigh
• best
• run rings around
• go one better
• surmount
• outperform
• conquer
• worst
• one-up
• 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
• intrench
• 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

By 1972, Beetle production surpassed that of the Ford Model T, with more than 15,000,000 units made. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025

During the hearing, several witnesses, including former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine and Mike Gold, the former acting associate administrator for NASA's Office of International and Interagency Relations, warned that China's lunar exploits could soon surpass America's. —Josh Dinner, Space.com, 12 Sep. 2025

This year’s boardings are on track to surpass those in 2024. —Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2025

That number continued to climb and surpassed 500,000 in the early 2000s. —Tara Sonenshine, The Conversation, 12 Sep. 2025