transcend

verb

tran·​scend tran(t)-ˈsend How to pronounce transcend (audio)
transcended; transcending; transcends

transitive verb

1
a
: to rise above or go beyond the limits of
b
: to triumph over the negative or restrictive aspects of : overcome
c
: to be prior to, beyond, and above (the universe or material existence)
2
: to outstrip or outdo in some attribute, quality, or power

intransitive verb

: to rise above or extend notably beyond ordinary limits

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When Should You Use transcend?

Great leaders are expected to transcend the limitations of politics, especially during wartime and national crises. A great writer may transcend geographical boundaries to become internationally respected. And certain laws of human nature seem to transcend historical periods and hold true for all times and all places.

Choose the Right Synonym for transcend

exceed, surpass, transcend, excel, outdo, outstrip mean to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree.

exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.

exceed the speed limit

surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

the book surpassed our expectations

transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.

transcended the values of their culture

excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

excels in mathematics

outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

outdid herself this time

outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

Examples of transcend in a Sentence

music that transcends cultural boundaries She was able to transcend her own suffering and help others. Her concerns transcended local issues.
Recent Examples on the Web The lack of mooring for the term coincides with a metaphysical sensibility according to which the human framework will soon be transcended. Jaron Lanier, The New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2024 Born into a blue-collar family in northeastern Quebec, Mr. Mulroney transcended his small-town roots to become a prosperous lawyer and business executive before seeking and attaining high office as a conservative, rising to prime minister in 1984. Alan Cowell, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024 In Hallmark Mahogany’s adaptation of author Jane Austen’s classic Sense and Sensibility, the hidden histories shared throughout the film transcend typical depictions of Black life. Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 28 Feb. 2024 In contemporary music, Mystic Marley has emerged as a new voice, transcending conventional categories with her creativity and authenticity. Dr. Brittany Chambers, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Originally featured in the Egyptian film Mr. Ex, the song soared to fame and transcended its cinematic roots to become a popular sensation, thanks to its witty lyrics by Menna Adli El Kiey and composition by Ahmed Tarek Yehia. Hala Mustafa, Billboard, 27 Feb. 2024 They were united in their fierce commitment to the Jewish state, having found in their adoptive country an identity that largely transcended their American passport. Shira Rubin, Washington Post, 22 Feb. 2024 Carhartt is one of those unicorn brands that somehow transcends generations, social classes, and fashion trends. Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2024 The Founders’ Breakfast Masterclass transcended conventional networking experiences as Black women broke bread together, prayed together, and were inspired to create community together, while embracing opportunities for continued connection and success. Ebony Flake, Essence, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'transcend.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin transcendere to climb across, transcend, from trans- + scandere to climb — more at scan

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of transcend was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near transcend

Cite this Entry

“Transcend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transcend. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

transcend

verb
tran·​scend tran(t)s-ˈend How to pronounce transcend (audio)
1
: to rise above or go beyond the limits of : exceed
2
: to be greatly superior to : surpass

More from Merriam-Webster on transcend

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