Definition of surfacenext
as in exterior
an outer part or layer the surface of just about everything in the kitchen was covered with soot after we put the grease fire out

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surface

2 of 3

verb

1
as in to emerge
to come to one's attention especially gradually or unexpectedly no information regarding the stolen car has surfaced since the police found it abandoned on a country road

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2
as in to rise
to penetrate the surface (as of water) from below a submarine surfaced on the starboard side of the aircraft carrier

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surface

3 of 3

adjective

as in superficial
lying on or affecting only the outer layer of something a surface stain on the wood that can easily be removed with a mild detergent

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of surface
Noun
The Sonic at 4025 Mapleshade Lane was found to have liquid leaking from the ceiling onto the cooking surfaces. Mary Ella Hastings july 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 July 2026 Its tendency to rapidly reproduce, forming dense colonies on underwater surfaces, can clog pipes, pumps and critical water infrastructure while disrupting local ecosystems. Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026
Verb
Her husband is jubilant at her return, but her friend Cee reacts very differently, and old grievances surface as the true price of Helen’s departure comes into focus. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 July 2026 In practice, that means AI is running the numbers, populating forms, surfacing options, and even suggesting installation dates. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 July 2026
Adjective
Further, healthy conflict serves to challenge assumptions, surface unintended consequences and improve strategic judgment. Terina Allen, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 The Barracuda class is designed to perform a wide range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, land-attack operations, and special forces support. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for surface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surface
Noun
  • Save big and add a sophisticated touch to your home’s exteriors with up to 30% off during Design Within Reach’s Fourth of July sale.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 3 July 2026
  • Use the soap and vinegar solution to scrub the exterior of the trash can and rinse.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • As Gen Z, the cohort born between 1997 and 2012, emerges as a major spender on group travel and experiences, more young people are fronting costs for friends.
    Rachel Hale, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • The diverging fortunes of the poorest and wealthiest Americans has emerged as a key theme in the US economy, and experts say AI is playing a significant role.
    Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • Roki Sasaki’s abysmal appearance faded away in the Dodgers’ 12-7 win over the San Diego Padres on Thursday night, but only after the National League West leaders rose from a catatonic first inning.
    Liana Handler Follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • The rising death toll comes as criticism of the government’s response continues to intensify.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • Context that lacks acknowledgment comes across as defensive, and acknowledgment that lacks context comes across superficial.
    Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • At the most superficial level, the DSA influx has associated Democrats with a series of kooky beliefs and statements.
    Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • The same gateway sits in front of Model Context Protocol servers, the standard way agents now discover and call tools.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • Europeans will also be keen to put on a unified front publicly, particularly over defense spending, according to Franke.
    Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Many issues will arise, and an HITL is a critical and necessary step in the AI coding process.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • While saying goodbye to its original Idaho store may have been difficult, married owners Ashley Ferguson and David Aboud previously told the Idaho Statesman that the move came after issues arose with the property owner.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • With a capacity of 45 passengers, the mésoscaphe, a submarine for shallow to mid-range depths, made more than a thousand dives that summer, ferrying 33,000 ordinary people into the lake’s depths.
    Bill Gourgey, Popular Science, 2 July 2026
  • Also called Eastern poplar, they’re related to willow trees, and their shallow roots can easily uproot sidewalks, driveways, foundations, and septic systems.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • The 36-year-old Spaniard breaks Roger Federer’s record by appearing in a 66th consecutive Grand Slam singles tournament, continuing a run that started at the 2002 French Open.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Actress Mariska Hargitay, who joined Swift courtside at Madison Square Garden during Game 4 of the NBA Finals, appears to have one notable gap in her Broadway schedule.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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