transcend

verb

tran·​scend tran(t)-ˈsend How to pronounce transcend (audio)
transcended; transcending; transcends

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

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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.

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 For many leaders, this translates into a reevaluation of core values, a deeper understanding of personal motivations and a quest for purpose that transcends immediate corporate objectives. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024 Clearly, there is an audience here that transcends the confines of TikTok. Katie Campione, Deadline, 26 Sep. 2024 Earth, Wind & Fire is an iconic soul and R&B group that transcended genre. Brian Welk, IndieWire, 21 Sep. 2024 Joint Israeli-Palestinian bodies would govern issues that transcend each state’s boundaries, such as energy and external security. Omar M. Dajani, Foreign Affairs, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for transcend 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'transcend.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of transcend was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near transcend

Cite this Entry

“Transcend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transcend. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

transcend

verb
tran·​scend tran(t)s-ˈend How to pronounce transcend (audio)
1
: to rise above or go beyond the limits of : exceed
2
: to be greatly superior to : surpass

More from Merriam-Webster on transcend

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