TRANSCEND Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'transcend' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of transcend are exceed , excel , outdo , outstrip , and surpass . While all these words mean "to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree," transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits. // transcended the values of their culture

Q: When would 'exceed' be a good substitute for 'transcend'?

While the synonyms exceed and transcend are close in meaning, exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement. // exceed the speed limit

Q: In what contexts can 'excel' take the place of 'transcend'?

In some situations, the words excel and transcend are roughly equivalent. However, excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others. // excels in mathematics

Q: When can 'outdo' be used instead of 'transcend'?

The synonyms outdo and transcend are sometimes interchangeable, but outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before. // outdid herself this time

Q: Where would 'outstrip' be a reasonable alternative to 'transcend'?

Although the words outstrip and transcend have much in common, outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition. // outstripped other firms in sales

Q: When might 'surpass' be a better fit than 'transcend'?

The words surpass and transcend can be used in similar contexts, but surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill. // the book surpassed our expectations

transcend

verb

tran(t)-ˈsend

Definition of transcend next

as in to exceed

to be greater, better, or stronger than a man whose practical knowledge of botany transcends that of his more educated colleagues

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lose (to)

as in to surpass

to go beyond the limit of a person who believes that any true understanding of God transcends human intelligence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb transcend contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of transcend are exceed, excel, outdo, outstrip, and surpass. While all these words mean "to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree," transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.

transcended the values of their culture

When would exceed be a good substitute for transcend?

While the synonyms exceed and transcend are close in meaning, exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.

exceed the speed limit

In what contexts can excel take the place of transcend?

In some situations, the words excel and transcend are roughly equivalent. However, excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

excels in mathematics

When can outdo be used instead of transcend?

The synonyms outdo and transcend are sometimes interchangeable, but outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

outdid herself this time

Where would outstrip be a reasonable alternative to transcend?

Although the words outstrip and transcend have much in common, outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

When might surpass be a better fit than transcend?

The words surpass and transcend can be used in similar contexts, but surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

the book surpassed our expectations

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 transcend From expanding living rooms to usable, durable outdoor kitchens, these spaces have transcended trend status to become the number one coveted feature that increases the functionality and allure of any residence. —

Aksha Mittapalli, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Feb. 2025 Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come. —

Daniela Avila, People.com, 5 Feb. 2025 There was hope that despite the political climate of today, higher education can not only bridge, but transcend, those divisions. —

Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, TIME, 4 Feb. 2025 Her music transcends culture, nationality, and even time, resonating across generations. —

Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for transcend

Recent Examples of Synonyms for transcend

Verb

Mahomes’ touchdown-to-interception ratio in the playoffs (5.4-to-1) also exceeds his regular season rate (3.3-to-1).

— Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2025
None of them exceeded expectations quite the way O’Connell did.

— Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025