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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 3 Jul. 2026.

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