transcend

verb

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tran·scend | \ tran(t)-ˈsend

transcended; transcending; transcends

Definition of transcend

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

: to rise above or extend notably beyond ordinary limits

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym When Should You Use transcend? Example Sentences Learn More about transcend

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Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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 on the Web Perhaps Katyal could figure out the way to write something that transcended the twists and turns of a constantly churning story. — Ben Terris, Washington Post, "A brief trip inside the life of an atypical impeachment opportunist," 3 Dec. 2019 Right from the founding of the modern nation in 1957, early Ghanaian leaders led by the first president Kwame Nkrumah preached Pan-Africanism, one that transcended the shores of continental Africa. — Kwasi Gyamfi Asiedu, Quartz Africa, "Ghana granted citizenship to over 100 African Americans and Afro-Caribbeans as part of Year of Return," 28 Nov. 2019 Beyond time or type, this is an item that has transcended conventions. — Ephrat Livni, Quartzy, "The woke shopper’s one-item Zen gift guide," 23 Nov. 2019 But good relations with the U.S. are a long-term priority for Israel that transcends the political calculations of both Trump and Netanyahu. — Jonathan S. Tobin, National Review, "Banning Omar and Tlaib May Help Trump, but It Hurts Israel," 16 Aug. 2019 This is the quintessential jean style that transcends decades and fads. — Tyler Joe, Marie Claire, "How to Style Straight Leg Jeans," 12 Aug. 2019 Said White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, ″Field of Dreams is an iconic, generational baseball story built upon a deep love of the game that transcends even the most impossible of circumstances. — Nick Romano, EW.com, "Yankees and White Sox to play 2020 game on the Field of Dreams," 8 Aug. 2019 He's managed to write a play that transcends its high concept to show two people figuring out how to be together well. — Manuel Mendoza, Dallas News, "In 'Lungs,' a couple debate whether it's right to bring a child into our warming world," 23 July 2019 Stephens, like other observers, frames Honnold’s ascent of El Capitan as something that transcends particulars, ranking with the universal and all-time great accomplishments. — Hannah Rosefield, The New Yorker, "Do Good Climbers Make Good Capitalists?," 22 July 2019

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.

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Last Updated

6 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Transcend.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transcend. Accessed 11 December 2019.

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More Definitions for transcend

transcend

verb