surface 1 of 3

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
Dry surfaces, working ventilation, low humidity and the lack of competing odors from food, trash, dampness or pets all matter more than any candle. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2026 This midcentury-modern love seat has a small footprint for cramped spaces, and the top folds down to create a cushy, futon-like surface for sleeping. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 23 June 2026
Verb
The proposal first surfaced last June but was revised after police raised their own concerns about enforcement. Nina Burns, CBS News, 24 June 2026 Friendly communications between Ovitz and Epstein surfaced earlier this year when the Justice Department released a trove of materials on the disgraced financier. Winston Cho For The Hollywood Reporter, ARTnews.com, 24 June 2026
Adjective
The company’s focus on efficient and autonomous ship manufacturing and mature supply chain enables high volume, low cost delivery of commercial and defense maritime vehicles, in surface and sub-surface environments (currently 95% of commercial ship-building occurs in Asia). Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026 Mura’s research team suggests that the sub-surface and mantle of Io may be like a sponge, in the sense that it is filled with pores filled with magma. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for surface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surface
Noun
  • One of the most distinguishing features of the new planes are the colors painted on its exterior.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
  • The exteriors of the Slate vehicles won't be painted.
    Michael Wayland, CNBC, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Ureña, a 22-year-old right-hander who has emerged as another potential ace, speaks of Soriano with a giddy amusement mixed with a solemn respect for how the starter has survived in the big leagues.
    Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • But since reports linked the couple's big day to Madison Square Garden on July 3, new details have continued to emerge — from public permits and venue schedules to comments from teammates, city officials and the bride and groom.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Why the at-home mani pedi trend is growing Three forces are driving the shift, including DIY beauty habits that stuck after the pandemic, the rising price of salon services and a steady stream of social tutorials that make at-home nails feel achievable.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026
  • Estate sales are also a source, though Miranda-Martin feels the rising popularity of these sales in Los Angeles has led to an increase in pricing.
    Marissa Gluck, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • But the similarity is superficial.
    Mark Greeven, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
  • Its engagement is merely superficial.
    Krupa Shandilya, The Conversation, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Los Angeles was back in front by the end of the third via a run-scoring single by Max Muncy and Alex Call’s sacrifice fly to right.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 25 June 2026
  • Larin was standing directly in front of Xhaka and got hit byXhaka's cleat after the Swiss captain went to kick the ball.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Be patient with kids and romantic partners, because squabbles might arise.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 26 June 2026
  • Lucena said it has not been invited to participate in a mission to Venezuela yet but will be ready if the opportunity arises.
    Will Clark, NBC news, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • There, the Sox scored on a weak, off-line throw from shallow left fielder José Caballero.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026
  • The earthquake’s shallow depth also allowed it to be felt across a wide region of the country, including Caracas, where residents reported intense shaking that forced evacuations from residential buildings, offices and shopping centers.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • This part of the deal appears to come naturally to Chavarria, who returned to Paris on Friday afternoon for his fourth season at the Men’s Fashion Week.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 27 June 2026
  • The president also appears to be counting the South Carolina runoff for governor as two wins after endorsing both candidates in that race.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 27 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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