exceed

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verb ex·ceed \ik-ˈsēd\

Simple Definition of exceed

: to be greater or more than (something) : to be better than (something)
: to go beyond the limit of (something)

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

Full Definition of exceed

transitive verb
1 : to extend outside of <the river will exceed its banks>
2 : to be greater than or superior to
3 : to go beyond a limit set by <exceeded his authority>
intransitive verb
1 obsolete : overdo
2 : predominate

See exceed defined for English-language learners

See exceed defined for kids

Examples of exceed in a sentence

The cost must not exceed 10 dollars.
The cost exceeded our estimate.
The demand for new housing has already exceeded the supply.
He's trying to match or exceed last year's sales.

Origin and Etymology of exceed

Middle English exceden, from Middle French exceder, from Latin excedere, from ex- + cedere to go

First Known Use: 14th century

Synonym Discussion of exceed

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>.

EXCEED Defined for Kids

exceed

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verb ex·ceed \ik-ˈsēd\

Definition of exceed for Students

exceeded

exceeding

1 : to be greater than <The cost must not exceed 100 dollars.>
2 : to go or be beyond the limit of <Don't exceed the speed limit.>

Word Root of exceed

The Latin word cedere, meaning “to go,” gives us the root ced. Words from the Latin cedere have something to do with going. To precede is to go before. To exceed is to go beyond a limit. To proceed is to go forward. To recede is to go back or away.