surface

noun

sur·face | \ ˈsər-fəs

Definition of surface

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : the exterior or upper boundary of an object or body on the surface of the water the earth's surface

2 : a plane or curved two-dimensional locus of points (such as the boundary of a three-dimensional region) plane surface surface of a sphere

3a : the external or superficial aspect of something trouble lurks below the surface

b : an external part or layer sanded the rough surfaces

on the surface

: to all outward appearances

surface

adjective

Definition of surface (Entry 2 of 3)

1a : of, located on, or designed for use at the surface of something

b : situated, transported, or employed on the surface of the earth surface mail surface vehicles

2 : appearing to be such on the surface only : superficial surface friendships

surface

verb

surfaced; surfacing

Definition of surface (Entry 3 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : to give a surface to: such as

a : to plane or make smooth

b : to apply the surface layer to surface a highway

2 : to bring to the surface surface a sunken ship

intransitive verb

1 : to work on or at the surface

2 : to come to the surface

3 : to come into public view : show up letters that have recently surfaced

Other Words from surface Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about surface

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Synonyms & Antonyms for surface

Synonyms: Noun

exterior, face, outside, shell, skin, veneer

Synonyms: Adjective

skin-deep, superficial

Synonyms: Verb

arise, come up, crop (up), emerge, materialize, spring (up)

Antonyms: Noun

inside, interior

Examples of surface in a Sentence

Noun

The painting's surface is covered with fine cracks. The bowl has a shiny surface. The surface of wood was rough. Be careful of icy surfaces on the roads.

Adjective

Despite the surface differences between the two candidates, they are very similar in most ways. a surface stain on the wood that can easily be removed with a mild detergent

Verb

The whale surfaced and then dove back down. The information surfaced many years later. After several years, the actress surfaced in a comedy. The road needs to be surfaced again.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Stepped-up scientific testing of surfaces will help make sure that rooms are free of lead dust before students can return. — Dylan Purcell, Philly.com, "Can Philadelphia school officials be trusted with millions in state money to clean up lead paint?," 12 July 2018 Press a piece of plastic wrap on the surface (to avoid forming a skin) and cover with a lid. — Nik Sharma, SFChronicle.com, "A Brown Kitchen: Mango layer cake for a fresh summer treat," 11 July 2018 The creek bisecting the hole sits just a few feet in front of the putting surface and is particularly in play when the pin is on the left side. — Brent Kennedy, baltimoresun.com, "Hunt Valley Country Club," 11 July 2018 Turn dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. — Hannah Walhout, Smithsonian, "Forget Baguettes — Why In-the-Know Bread Lovers Should be Heading to the Caucasus (Recipe)," 5 July 2018 Guests just need to bring a towel in order to sit on surfaces at the resort. — Kellie Hwang, azcentral, "Sun's out, buns out: Nude Recreation Week, International Skinny Dip Day returns," 5 July 2018 Even if drones can monitor only a small fraction of the ocean’s surface, their presence could be a powerful deterrent. — The Economist, "Avast, me hearties," 5 July 2018 Step 8: Drill ¼-inch-diameter drain holes near each corner of the playing surface. — Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, "Build This Floating Ping Pong Table," 28 June 2018 About half of the play space would be covered with artificial turf, similar to a soccer field, and the other half would feature a play structure on a rubber surface. — Jeff Rumage, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Spanish immersion school eyes former Goldi storefront in Shorewood," 27 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

When a report surfaced the Magic were negotiating with a former two-time All-Star who averaged 28.9 points per game during the 2016-17 season, the fans had reason to be excited. — Josh Robbins, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Magic Mailbag: What’s the deal with Orlando’s point guard situation?," 12 July 2018 Related stories from Sacramento Bee County Fire in Yolo doubles to 8,000 acres in 2 hours; 30 structures threatened Reports of overnight ashfall in counties, including Napa and Sonomoa, surfaced Sunday morning on Twitter. — Michael Mcgough, sacbee, "County Fire in Yolo continues furious growth, now 16,500 acres with evacuations ordered," 1 July 2018 Last night, photos surfaced of him taking Katherine Schwarzenegger on a romantic picnic date on Sunday in Santa Barbara, California. — Allie Jones, The Cut, "Is Chris Pratt Dating Katherine Schwarzenegger?," 19 June 2018 Some names will surface that might be of real interest to the club, and others might find their way into the conversation through skillful self-promotion. — Peter Schmuck, baltimoresun.com, "Schmuck: Another downside to all this Orioles losing is how it feeds the rumor mill," 18 June 2018 The cases in Illinois first appeared in mid-May, while the illnesses in Iowa were more recent, surfacing in late June and early July. — Matthew Haag, New York Times, "McDonald’s Removes Salads Linked to Intestinal Parasite Outbreak in Midwest," 13 July 2018 Until the rape accusation surfaced, many draft experts had predicted that Conley would be selected in the middle of the first round. — Michael Mccann, SI.com, "Could Gareon Conley Legally Prove That Rape Allegation Caused Draft Slide, Financial Harm?," 12 July 2018 Kylie is known for getting real AF with her fans, which is why the world was shocked when pregnancy rumors surfaced and not a peep came from our fave Jenner. — Alison Caporimo, Seventeen, "Kylie Jenner Talks About Stretch Marks On Her Boobs and How Her Body Has Changed After Stormi," 9 July 2018 Rumors of their engagement began over the weekend with photos of the couple in the Bahamas surfaced, and Baldwin was seen wearing a large diamond ring. — Harper's Bazaar Staff, Harper's BAZAAR, "Justin Bieber Confirms Engagement With the Sweetest Message Ever," 9 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'surface.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.