transcend

verb

tran·​scend tran(t)-ˈsend 

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.

Synonyms

• exceed
• surpass
• eclipse
• better

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

As karaoke has transcended borders and became a global phenomenon – and in what has been estimated as a more than $10 billion global industry – Shigeichi’s vision of bringing people together through music endures. —Thomas Coughlin, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

In stories such as Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series and Star Trek, the genre has positioned outer space as the frontier that humanity must cross in order to transcend earthbound dilemmas. —Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 21 June 2025

Give us a peace about this decision to end our relationship that transcends worldly understanding. —Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 19 June 2025

Their attempts to transcend their circumstances only bring them closer to death. —Charlie Lee, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025

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

Rhymes for transcend

• amend
• append
• ascend
• attend
• backend
• befriend
• boyfriend
• commend
• compend
• contend
• defend
• depend

Kids Definition

transcend

verb

tran·​scend tran(t)s-ˈend 

1

: to rise above or go beyond the limits of : exceed

2

: to be greatly superior to : surpass