surface 1 of 3

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
Estimates suggest that 92 percent of the 5.25 trillion plastic particles on the ocean surface are microplastics, according to a 2020 case study published by Science Direct. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 8 July 2025 It’s made of durable polyethylene, rolls well over any surface, and has an easy-to-use handle. Taylor Fox, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
Verb
Four Gilbert council members, including the mayor, rejected public accusations that the city and its Police Department kept information hidden to protect one of the town attorney's nephews, whose name surfaced when police investigated a nearly fatal arson fire. Maritza Dominguez, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025 Even before her exit, Ortega's friends who had been managing the 25-year-old's Instagram account took a step back from posting about the show when Ortega's comments surfaced. Christopher Kuhagen, jsonline.com, 8 July 2025
Adjective
The battery life alone (23 minutes and 30 seconds) makes this one of the best cordless vacuums, but there are some additional unique features that helped this Eureka multi-surface model stand out to us. Alida Nugent, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2023 In it were tablets containing concentrated hand soap as well as multi-surface, glass and bathroom cleaners — and four empty containers. Susan Shain, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2023 See All Example Sentences for surface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surface
Noun
  • Often considered to be the first truly American style of architecture, Prairie homes typically have a low-slung, cantilevered roof; rows of windows; a brick or stucco exterior; and a large central fireplace.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 July 2025
  • Made with a trendy, puffy exterior, this spacious tote comes with a padded laptop sleeve, a discreet zippered side pocket (perfect for stashing your passport), and an expandable zippered bottom that can add 3.5 additional inches of storage space.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • Regardless of what emerges as the key issues in the 2025 election cycle, past elections show candidates face an uphill battle just to get voters to the polls.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2025
  • Only a handful of deals have emerged in that time frame, including with the United Kingdom, China, and Vietnam.
    Haisten Willis, The Washington Examiner, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • Office completions in 2024 fell to their lowest share of inventory since 2012 and are set to slow further, reflecting high vacancy rates, rising debt and construction costs, and falling office values.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 10 July 2025
  • Comparing unit prices at the grocery store, shopping the sale racks and collecting spare change are necessities for many Americans, who are coping with stagnant wages, rising prices and mounting bills.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • The aesthetic industry, once seen as superficial, is evolving into a crucial branch of the broader longevity movement.
    Lara Devgan, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Those families tend to be all alike, regardless of the superficial differences among them.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Jake Cronenworth flared a ball to right-center field that fell in front of diving center fielder Brandon Marsh and then bounced off his glove, allowing Cronenworth to jog into second with a double.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025
  • Along the way to the site, residents standing in front of strips malls and at intersections waved as Trump's motorcade rolled by.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • That means naming the fear, the confusion and even the shame that might arise.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • As for cosmic weather this week, note that power struggles around ideas may arise on June 29, while July 4 could bring big ups, downs or spontaneity to relationships.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • Arrange lettuce wedges, rounded side down, on rimmed plates or shallow bowls.
    Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 7 July 2025
  • Much of the waterway is too shallow for vessels with the deep draft required for hauling heavy loads.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • European banks have meanwhile significantly boosted their profits over the last three years as central banks dragged interest rates out of a decade of ultra-low territory, a shift that appears to have been belatedly priced in this year — even with rates now falling .
    Jenni Reid,Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 6 July 2025
  • But relying on natural gas to fill the gap over at least the next five years appears to be both a foolhardy and highly expensive gamble.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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