resurface

verb

re·​sur·​face (ˌ)rē-ˈsər-fəs 

resurfaced; resurfacing; resurfaces

transitive verb

: to provide with a new or fresh surface

resurface skin by dermabrasion

intransitive verb

: to come again to the surface (as of the water)

broadly : reappear

resurfacer

(ˌ)rē-ˈsər-fə-sər 

noun

Examples of resurface in a Sentence

A few of the writer's journals have resurfaced.

His resentment toward her resurfaced.

The road needs to be resurfaced.

Recent Examples on the Web

As this topic resurfaces again amid global tensions in recent months, NPR today is launching a new series looking at the forces shaping the new world order. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 11 Aug. 2025

The memories of the late 1980s and early 1990s have resurfaced. —Sebastián Jiménez Valencia, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2025

Preventive maintenance—sealing cracks, resurfacing at the right moment—costs far less than rebuilding a street that’s been allowed to crumble. —Belal Aftab, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2025

Alexander teases that the tusks will resurface later this season. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 9 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for resurface

• subsurface
• hypersurface
• undersurface
• surface

Kids Definition

resurface

verb

re·​sur·​face rē-ˈsər-fəs 

1

: to provide with a new or fresh surface

resurface the table

2

: to come again to the surface (as of water)

resurfacer

-fə-sər 

noun