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

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of surpass

And tight end George Kittle surpassed 100 receiving yards with 12:41 remaining before halftime. —Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 9 Dec. 2024

Thanks to his big outing, Jefferson surpassed 7,000 career receiving yards and became the first player in NFL history to reach the milestone within his first five seasons in the league. —Ben Morse, CNN, 9 Dec. 2024

Coldplay’s ongoing Music of the Spheres tour, which recently booked additional concert dates through next year, recently surpassed the $1-billion mark and is being discussed as potentially approaching Eras’ impressive numbers. —Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024

Here are a few top categories: Cars and car parts Mexico was the United States’ top goods trading partner last year, surpassing China. —Andrea Chang, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024