transcend
verb
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Definition of transcend
1a : to rise above or go beyond the limits of
b : to triumph over the negative or restrictive aspects of : overcome
c : to be prior to, beyond, and above (the universe or material existence)
2 : to outstrip or outdo in some attribute, quality, or power
: to rise above or extend notably beyond ordinary limits
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Synonyms for transcend
Synonyms
beat, better, eclipse, exceed, excel, outclass, outdistance, outdo, outshine, outstrip, overtop, surpass, top, tower (over)
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Examples of transcend in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But in the era of #MeToo, British designer Catherine Quin is looking to transcend the definition. — Lauren Alexis Fisher, Harper's BAZAAR, "British Designer Catherine Quin Redefines the It Girl with "Women of Purpose" Campaign," 14 June 2018 There are many definitions for the word model, and Karlie Kloss transcends all of them. — Christy Turlington Burns, Town & Country, "Karlie Kloss Is Taking "Girl Boss" to Another Level by Teaching Young Women How to Code," 9 May 2018 Everyone borrows from elsewhere, chefs inspire other chefs, remixing ideas and executions with the hope the final product will transcend derivation. — Mark Kurlyandchik, Detroit Free Press, "Restaurant Review: Detroit's Empire Kitchen & Cocktails has no clothes," 12 July 2018 Megan's grandmother was an extremely heavy smoker who underwent a tracheotomy in her final years — a defining characteristic that transcended its mortal form. — Aliza Kelly Faragher, Allure, "A Beginner’s Guide to Communicating With Spirits on the Other Side," 19 June 2018 Yet, in thinking of Bernstein’s later years, one has to invoke the mysteries of artistic will, its capacity to redeem and transcend many kinds of failure. — David Denby, The New Yorker, "Leonard Bernstein Through His Daughter’s Eyes," 16 June 2018 People gravitated towards it because there was such an authenticity to it that transcended everything. — Michael Saponara, Billboard, "Sway Calloway Talks Becoming Host & Executive Producer of MTV's Newly Revamped 'TRLAM'," 14 June 2018 And, of course, surfing — which transcended mere sport into a sort of physical Zen, fusing mind and body with the natural world. — Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE.com, "The Beach Boys in Their Own Words: America's Band Tells the Tales Behind Their Pop Masterpieces," 8 June 2018 The novel transcends the Texas landscape and reveals the universal truths of our political process. — Steve Israel, chicagotribune.com, "What's the greatest book about politics? Bill Clinton, Newt Gingrich and others weigh in.," 12 July 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'transcend.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for transcend
transcend
verb
English Language Learners Definition of transcend
: to rise above or go beyond the normal limits of (something)
See the full definition for transcend in the English Language Learners Dictionary
transcend
verb
\
Kids Definition of transcend
1 : to rise above the limits of The music transcends cultural boundaries.
2 : to do better or more than The poem transcended all others in its beauty.
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