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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of surface
Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 16 June 2026
Wipe down surfaces and clean up any spills and crumbs.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 June 2026
Steve Liesman, CNBC, 16 June 2026
Roku stock drifted down 1%, following a huge runup on Friday after reports surfaced that the company had held deal talks with a then-unnamed suitor.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 15 June 2026
Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Mura’s research team suggests that the sub-surface and mantle of Io may be like a sponge, in the sense that it is filled with pores filled with magma.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for surface
Noun
Contributing factors likely include strengthening westerly winds, a phenomenon that's connected to global warming due to climate change, as well as how the ocean is responding to those surface winds, Neff added.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 16 June 2026
Wipe down surfaces and clean up any spills and crumbs.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 June 2026
Verb
Early warning signs of a bull market-ending recession have not as yet surfaced.
—Steve Liesman, CNBC, 16 June 2026
Roku stock drifted down 1%, following a huge runup on Friday after reports surfaced that the company had held deal talks with a then-unnamed suitor.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 15 June 2026
Adjective
The company’s focus on efficient and autonomous ship manufacturing and mature supply chain enables high volume, low cost delivery of commercial and defense maritime vehicles, in surface and sub-surface environments (currently 95% of commercial ship-building occurs in Asia).
—Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Mura’s research team suggests that the sub-surface and mantle of Io may be like a sponge, in the sense that it is filled with pores filled with magma.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for surface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surface
Noun
-
Though the shopping center once held dozens of stores, its population of retailers steadily dwindled for years amid a string of new owners and a decaying exterior.—
Matan Josephy,
Idaho Statesman,
17 June 2026
-
The sunny, minimalist interiors, with light wood floors and paneled walls, create a playful contrast with the modern, industrial-exterior aesthetic.—
Caitlin Gunther,
Architectural Digest,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
Within five months of the arrival of new Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker, optimism has emerged that a struggling defense may be on the brink of major improvement.—
Briana Aldridge,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
-
The chicks, born to piping plovers Imani and Sea Rocket, emerged from their nest near Montrose Pier under the watchful eyes of volunteer bird monitors, who spent sunup to sundown waiting to confirm all four eggs had successfully hatched.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
17 June 2026
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.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
19 June 2026
-
At the same time, agriculture is one of the sectors most threatened by climate change, with rising temperatures set to devastate food crops around the world.—
Jasmin Sykes,
CNN Money,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
For food companies, switching to another supplier or type of protein isn’t a superficial switch.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
21 June 2026
-
Some suggest his superficial charm is giving a false picture of his political talents.—
Helen Lewis,
The Atlantic,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
The opening ceremony taking place on the plaza in front of the Chicago museum is invite-only.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
-
The high-stakes presentation left her feeling particularly vulnerable when the incident unfolded in front of the crowd.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
Jarzombek acknowledged that there will be some disruptions that arise from the transition but said CalPERS staff would work to minimize their impact.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
18 June 2026
-
Water the plant deeply and slowly at the base rather than overhead, as this will ensure the roots receive sufficient nourishment and help prevent diseases that can arise from wet foliage.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
18 June 2026
Adjective
-
The area, located in Kershaw County, South Carolina, is filled with shallow, unmarked graves, the FHD team said.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
-
For the first time ever, the discovery of a shallow-water feeding ground has made observing this behavior possible.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
Russian air defenses have appeared incapable of dealing with the threat.—
Gianluca Mezzofiore,
CNN Money,
20 June 2026
-
In an unusual twist, many of the songs that would eventually appear throughout the season were written before the writers’ room fully mapped out the story.—
Precious Fondren,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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