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
Estimates suggest that 92 percent of the 5.25 trillion plastic particles on the ocean surface are microplastics, according to a 2020 case study published by Science Direct. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 8 July 2025 It’s made of durable polyethylene, rolls well over any surface, and has an easy-to-use handle. Taylor Fox, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
Verb
Trump officials had a more nuanced take after news reports surfaced Tuesday about an initial Defense Intelligence Agency assessment that said the attack set back Iran's nuclear program only by months. Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 28 June 2025 Celtics trade star guard Jrue Holiday On Monday, reports surfaced about two-time NBA All-Star Jrue Holiday's future home. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025
Adjective
The battery life alone (23 minutes and 30 seconds) makes this one of the best cordless vacuums, but there are some additional unique features that helped this Eureka multi-surface model stand out to us. Alida Nugent, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2023 In it were tablets containing concentrated hand soap as well as multi-surface, glass and bathroom cleaners — and four empty containers. Susan Shain, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2023 See All Example Sentences for surface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surface
Noun
  • Often considered to be the first truly American style of architecture, Prairie homes typically have a low-slung, cantilevered roof; rows of windows; a brick or stucco exterior; and a large central fireplace.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 July 2025
  • Made with a trendy, puffy exterior, this spacious tote comes with a padded laptop sleeve, a discreet zippered side pocket (perfect for stashing your passport), and an expandable zippered bottom that can add 3.5 additional inches of storage space.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • American leaders in Washington cannot continue to rely on Beijing for materials while the Chinese are emerging as a military rival.
    Kamran Bokhari, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • Inspired by travel, fashion, art, and emerging technologies, the team has completed interiors internationally and in many of South Florida’s most coveted buildings.
    Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • That, however, may be a blessing in disguise that allows Fatu to rise up the ranks on SmackDown even quicker than expected.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • 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, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • The aesthetic industry, once seen as superficial, is evolving into a crucial branch of the broader longevity movement.
    Lara Devgan, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Those families tend to be all alike, regardless of the superficial differences among them.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • With two eight-piston monobloc calipers at the front and two six-piston monobloc calipers at the back, the brake system can bring the Bolide from 186 mph to a standstill in 6.0 seconds, doing so in 748 feet.
    Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 30 June 2025
  • Taiwanese air force personnel standing in front of an armed F-16V fighter jet behind two Harpoon anti-ship missiles during a drill at Hualien Air Force base on August 17, 2022.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • That means naming the fear, the confusion and even the shame that might arise.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • As for cosmic weather this week, note that power struggles around ideas may arise on June 29, while July 4 could bring big ups, downs or spontaneity to relationships.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • Arrange lettuce wedges, rounded side down, on rimmed plates or shallow bowls.
    Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 7 July 2025
  • In the rugged, rolling terrain it’s known for, heavy rains collect quickly in its shallow streams and rivers that can burst into torrents like the deadly flood wave that swept along the Guadalupe River on July 4.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • Merced County was another area of the state that appeared to have higher levels of arsenic in drinking water, per the study's map.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
  • European banks have meanwhile significantly boosted their profits over the last three years as central banks dragged interest rates out of a decade of ultra-low territory, a shift that appears to have been belatedly priced in this year — even with rates now falling .
    Jenni Reid,Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 6 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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