rise above
phrasal verb
rose above; risen above; rising above; rises above
1
: to not allow oneself to be hurt or controlled by (something bad or harmful)
It's time to rise above petty bickering/politics.
2
: to be or become better than (something)
The quality of the food never rises above average.
Examples of rise above in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The index then kicked off 2026 on a strong note, briefly rising above a record high 10,000 points on Friday for the first time ever.
—
John Towfighi, CNN Money, 4 Jan. 2026
If Buzelis has a breakout season, the Bulls could rise above their current potential.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
Where limestone bluffs rise above the East Bottoms and the steady hum of industry drifts below, this section through Kessler Park offers an escape that feels far removed from the city around it.
—Monty Davis, Kansas City Star, 1 Jan. 2026
The grand finale fireworks display goes off at midnight as the 750-pound Future of Pittsburgh Ball rises above the Cultural District.
—Michael Guise, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rise above
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.
John Towfighi, CNN Money, 4 Jan. 2026
If Buzelis has a breakout season, the Bulls could rise above their current potential.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
Where limestone bluffs rise above the East Bottoms and the steady hum of industry drifts below, this section through Kessler Park offers an escape that feels far removed from the city around it.
—Monty Davis, Kansas City Star, 1 Jan. 2026
The grand finale fireworks display goes off at midnight as the 750-pound Future of Pittsburgh Ball rises above the Cultural District.
—Michael Guise, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rise above
Cite this Entry
“Rise above.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rise%20above. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share