surface 1 of 3

as in exterior
an outer part or layer the surface of just about everything in the kitchen was covered with soot after we put the grease fire out

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surface

2 of 3

verb

1
as in to emerge
to come to one's attention especially gradually or unexpectedly no information regarding the stolen car has surfaced since the police found it abandoned on a country road

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2
as in to rise
to penetrate the surface (as of water) from below a submarine surfaced on the starboard side of the aircraft carrier

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surface

3 of 3

adjective

as in superficial
lying on or affecting only the outer layer of something a surface stain on the wood that can easily be removed with a mild detergent

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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 surface
Noun
While Starship still has a long way to go in its development, the latest mission marks a significant step forward for a spacecraft intended to one day ferry NASA astronauts to the moon's surface and transport the first humans to Mars. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025 Once exposed to sunlight, these clumps are warmed up and act like miniature steam vents in space, releasing water vapor even though the comet itself remains too cold for its surface ice to sublimate directly, the researchers say. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
In the immediate aftermath, rumors of a fallout between the two surfaced, fueled by the duo exchanging words on social media and Raisa reportedly unfollowing Gomez on Instagram. Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Oct. 2025 And at many universities the process through which differences in institutional values are surfaced and reconciled is unclear, especially as AI initiatives have often sidestepped democratic faculty governance. Chris Wegemer, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
And that the smooth surface could harbor either a thick ice crust and thin ocean, or a thin ice crust and a thick ocean, with either possibility admitting the existence of sub-surface hydrothermal vents. Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 3 Sep. 2025 Its multi-surface brush can clean carpets and hard floors, and the brush efficiently tackles hair and reduces the chance of tangles while also picking up large particles. Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for surface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surface
Noun
  • Baisi and Sayeed toured Yale together to examine the architectural styles and study the light in both the interiors and exteriors.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The exterior is wrapped in Alice + Olivia’s storm floral print.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • While stocks in the region, so far, have underperformed their emerging-market peers, letting down many investors, these lower valuations are attractive to KKR because of the positive macro trends.
    Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Israel, meanwhile, has emerged from the war in a much stronger security position after decimating Hamas in Gaza, slamming Hezbollah in Lebanon, and hammering Iran's nuclear facilities.
    Greg Myre, NPR, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The actress, who rose to fame for her iconic roles in beloved films such as Annie Hall, The First Wives Club, The Godfather, and many more, died in California, PEOPLE reported on Saturday.
    Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Whereas Black Ops 6 relished in the texture of its period setting, giving players maps ranging from a warlord’s villa filled with luxury cars or dilapidated bus depots overgrown with foliage, BLOPS 7 has a superficial glossiness to each of its levels.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The changes between the two Codalungas aren’t limited to the superficial, though.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In one slide of the carousel, Aniston is seen standing in front of a rack of clothing wearing black tutu as a top and no pants, her bare legs partially covered by an assistant tending to her ensemble.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Auto-industry observers and casual car-shoppers alike have wanted cheaper Teslas, but on the pricing front, the new models are a letdown.
    Patrick George, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • And with those sightings arose… The Life of an AI Theory.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The same concern arises with jewelry, which is also a traditional way of holding gold.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Some roads and low-lying property including parking lots, parks, lawns, and homes adjacent to the waterfront will experience shallow flooding.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 2025
  • One without the other, to me, feels shallow.
    Sofía Viera, Allure, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The talks may not result in a final deal, but at present Coinbase appears to have the inside track over Mastercard.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Her son, now 6, in a Spiderman shirt and a blue cast from a playground accident, appeared next.
    Melissa Sanchez, ProPublica, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

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