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
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
The microscopic droplets released from a flushing toilet can rise 4 feet in the air and be inhaled or land on bathroom surfaces.
—Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2026
Jack Brook, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026
The meeting occurred shortly after a Fort Worth school district principal was reassigned after old posts of hers surfaced on social media.
—Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026
Keith Cooper, Space.com, 29 Jan. 2026
The proposal includes a tennis center with multi-surface courts, hotels, water polo facilities, retail, a wellness center and stadium to host soccer matches.
—Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for surface
Noun
Accessibility While there are two rooms suitable for those with mobility impairments, the grounds have irregular surfaces and some steep gradients.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
The microscopic droplets released from a flushing toilet can rise 4 feet in the air and be inhaled or land on bathroom surfaces.
—Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2026
Verb
Those tensions surfaced again last month when Landry signed a new congressional map that eliminated one of the state’s two majority-Black House districts.
—Jack Brook, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026
The meeting occurred shortly after a Fort Worth school district principal was reassigned after old posts of hers surfaced on social media.
—Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026
Adjective
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
The proposal includes a tennis center with multi-surface courts, hotels, water polo facilities, retail, a wellness center and stadium to host soccer matches.
—Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for surface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surface
Noun
-
Cheval Blanc Courchevel’s mustard exterior suggests a traditional, Savoyard scene of reindeer rugs and bannisters carved with twee hearts and cowbells inside.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
-
Wipe fan blades and the hood exterior with a degreaser or hot, soapy water.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
Immigration policy also emerged as a recurring issue following debate last year over sanctuary-city policies and protections for immigration communities.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
3 June 2026
-
Their job duties include studying emerging viral pathogens, prosecutors said.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
Supply disruptions have also hit hard in Europe and Africa, where countries are responding to rising fuel costs and a considerable threat to food security.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
5 June 2026
-
Airlines have faced rising fuel costs as the conflict in Iran has disrupted global oil supplies and increased energy prices.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
Yes, people can actually be superficial on social media.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
-
Seek out someone who can go beyond the superficial conversation level and discuss something meaningful.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
The Knicks are back out in front, as Jalen Brunson is balling despite hobbling after hurting his right knee and left ankle.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
4 June 2026
-
Those seeking a real meal with cutlery should head to the front and put their name down for a pie at Daroco.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
In cyberspeak, greenfield attack surfaces are potential vulnerabilities that arise from deploying brand-new technology.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
-
The strange case of Scary Movie 5 arose during conversations with both Faris and Hall for Entertainment Weekly's Scary Movie cover, ahead of the film's June 5 premiere.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
In dry climates, where rainfall is limited but dew may be common, an extensive network of shallow roots may be better equipped to maximize absorption of any moisture that touches the soil.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
4 June 2026
-
They are gathered for the most part in shallow high-mountain ponds in the Rockies.—
Byron W. Dalrymple,
Outdoor Life,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
Dodgers left-hander Justin Wrobleski shouted two words — the first of which didn’t appear to be fit for print — and strode off the mound, the icy expression on his face frozen in place all the way to the dugout.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
Beijing’s support does not appear to have extended to directly arming the Naxals, however.—
Dhruv Tikekar,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
