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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2025
They’re made with lightweight cushioning that absorbs impact on hard surfaces, all while providing support to different areas of the feet.
—Clara McMahon, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
D. Graham Burnett, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2025
Prior to WrestleMania, reports surfaced indicating that Gunther had signed a new, lucrative contract with WWE.
—Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
Susan Shain, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2023
The sub was fitted with six 533-millimeter torpedo tubes and carried a mix of both anti-surface and anti-submarine weapons.
—Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 23 Dec. 2022
See All Example Sentences for surface
Noun
Water only as needed when the surface soil begins to dry and keep the plant in shade to filtered sun away from downspouts.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2025
They’re made with lightweight cushioning that absorbs impact on hard surfaces, all while providing support to different areas of the feet.
—Clara McMahon, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
All that surfaces anew, because we are left alone with that.
—D. Graham Burnett, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2025
Prior to WrestleMania, reports surfaced indicating that Gunther had signed a new, lucrative contract with WWE.
—Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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
The sub was fitted with six 533-millimeter torpedo tubes and carried a mix of both anti-surface and anti-submarine weapons.
—Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 23 Dec. 2022
See All Example Sentences for surface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surface
Noun
-
The exterior is European flax linen and the feather-down insert with its organic cotton shell is the ideal medium firmness.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Inside are four credit card slots, a passport pocket, a SIM card slot, and a pen holder, while the exterior has a slim ticket sleeve for your boarding pass.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
On March 30, 1981, President Ronald Reagan had just finished speaking at a union convention and was emerging from the hotel when he was struck by a bullet from would-be assassin John Hinckley Jr. .—
Major Garrett,
CBS News,
26 Apr. 2025
-
The same week these two spectacular images emerged, so did a study that suggested that heavy rain once fell on Mars.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Iconic sportswear and footwear giant Adidas said Tuesday that the price of all its products will rise in the U.S. due to President Donald Trump's tariffs.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2025
-
But merely knowing that housing today is less affordable than in 1950 tells us little about why home prices have risen.—
Caleb Petitt,
National Review,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
In both cases, the criticism is not completely superficial.—
Ellen Cushing,
The Atlantic,
14 Apr. 2025
-
The two who were shot suffered what police called superficial wounds and were hospitalized for their injuries.—
Mike Nolan,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The police chief was invited to come out and get in front of the issue, and the councilmember stood by his side.—
Karen Billing,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 May 2025
-
As first reported by Dan Goodin for Ars Technica, the problem sits with the Remote Desktop Protocol used to enable a remote user to log in and use their Windows machine as if they were physically sat in front of it.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Verb
-
In that maelstrom, several patients were given doses of sedatives that ultimately killed them, and Fink’s account revolves around those decisions and the criminal allegations that arose after the crisis.—
Heather Hansman,
The Atlantic,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Montgomery County Public Schools, where the issue being contested arose, did not reply to TIME’s request for comment.—
Solcyré Burga,
Time,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
As the protagonist/antihero, audiences meet everyone through his eyes (and imperious narration) — and in his view, most people are shallow and irritating, especially the residents of Madre Linda.—
Proma Khosla,
IndieWire,
23 Apr. 2025
-
In another shallow dish whisk together egg and 2 Tbsp.—
Erin Hooker,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Federal prosecutors also appeared to reveal today that Combs had rejected an apparent plea deal.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Her blonde hair falls below her collarbone, and her makeup appears minimal, save for jet black lashes.—
Sam Reed,
Glamour,
25 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share