transcend

verb tran·scend \ tran(t)-ˈsend \

Updated on: 10 May 2018

Definition of transcend

transitive verb

1 a : 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

intransitive verb

: to rise above or extend notably beyond ordinary limits

See transcend defined for English-language learners

See transcend defined for kids

Examples of transcend in a Sentence

music that transcends cultural boundaries
She was able to transcend her own suffering and help others.
Her concerns transcended local issues.

Recent Examples of transcend from the Web

But something about the language of Love’s post transcends the pair's hurt feelings.

— morgan enos, Billboard, "Mike Love Posts Get-Well Note to Former Beach Boys Bandmate Brian Wilson," 1 May 2018
Meet this year’s crop of college players whose talent transcended their teams’ win-loss record in 2017—with many more to come in the draft’s final six rounds.

— joan niesen, SI.com, "The First Round NFL Draft Picks You Didn't See in Bowl Games," 27 Apr. 2018
In the best Morris fashion, its close fidelity to the music is at once underlined and transcended with inspired, where-did-that-come-from imagery.

— brian seibert, New York Times, "Review: Mark Morris’s Egalitarian Ethos and Top-Class Art," 27 Apr. 2018
In other words, reunification on the Korean Peninsula had to be achieved peacefully and without any external influence, and transcend the two different ideologies and systems.

— hyuk kim, Washington Post, "What will North and South Korean leaders talk about tomorrow? Here’s a cheat sheet.," 26 Apr. 2018
In addition to artists who have transcended hip-hop, Tyner explores the narrative of the genre’s fallen.

— brandon t. harden, Philly.com, "Rare interviews of Run DMC, The Roots, Jay-Z, and others have been unearthed through this Philly radio host's new podcast," 25 Apr. 2018
These numbers will grow as the game transcends the usual gaming communities, crossing over into general public awareness.

— john brandon, Fox News, "'Fortnite' jumps from gamer obsession to cultural phenomenon," 11 Apr. 2018
This is the moment when Marvel, for the first time, finally transcended the superhero genre.

— matt miller, Esquire, "Black Panther Is the Crowning Achievement of the Marvel Cinematic Universe," 16 Feb. 2018
Hundreds of well-wishers and admirers paid their final respects Friday to Barbara Bush, the former first lady whose no-nonsense, matriarchal style transcended politics and touched people across the nation.

— rick jervis, USA TODAY, "Hundreds pay tribute in Houston to former first lady Barbara Bush during public repose," 20 Apr. 2018

These 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.

When Should You Use transcend?

Great leaders are expected to transcend the limitations of politics, especially during wartime and national crises. A great writer may transcend geographical boundaries to become internationally respected. And certain laws of human nature seem to transcend historical periods and hold true for all times and all places.

Origin and Etymology of transcend

Middle English, from Latin transcendere to climb across, transcend, from trans- + scandere to climb — more at scan

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

See Words from the same year

transcend Synonyms

Phrases

go one better, run circles around (or run rings around);

Synonym Discussion of transcend

exceed, surpass, transcend, excel, outdo, outstrip mean to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree. exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.

- exceed the speed limit

surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

- the book surpassed our expectations

transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.

- transcended the values of their culture

excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

- excels in mathematics

outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

- outdid herself this time

outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

- outstripped other firms in sales

TRANSCEND Defined for English Language Learners

transcend

verb

Definition of transcend for English Language Learners

: to rise above or go beyond the normal limits of (something)

TRANSCEND Defined for Kids

transcend

verb tran·scend \ tran-ˈsend \

Definition of transcend for Students

transcended; transcending

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.

Word Root of transcend

The Latin word scandere, meaning “to climb,” gives us the root scend. Words from the Latin scandere have something to do with climbing. To ascend is to climb upward. To descend is to climb downward. To transcend is to rise above or climb over something's limits.