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
Skim the scum from the surface of the liquid with a spoon. Malaka Gharib, NPR, 25 Oct. 2025 When the flames are out, pop on the lid to instantly transform it into a spacious surface for drinks and snacks. Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
Earlier this month, the UNC coach issued a statement about his near-future with the program, hours after reports surfaced that the ACC school was meeting to talk about exit strategies and that the former NFL coach was discussing buyout options with UNC. Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025 Behind-the-scenes clips of Grande during this time surfaced online last year, showing her and Cynthia Erivo practicing on the unfinished Shiz University set. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Its dual-tank water system keeps clean and dirty water separate, while the multi-surface brush roll handles sealed hard floors and rugs. Caitlyn Martyn May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025 However, they were limited to single steps to tackle multi-surface flooring and not intended for use on stairs. PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for surface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surface
Noun
  • The exterior is crafted from water-resistant suede, while a thick interior faux fur lining keeps your toes toasty on bone-chilling days.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The thieves used a basket lift to scale the museum’s exterior, forced open a window, and used cutting tools to open display cases in the Apollo Gallery.
    Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Soeren Stache | Picture Alliance | Getty Images Microsoft is giving employees a way to raise concerns about the uses of its technology after controversy emerged over the company's work in the Middle East.
    Jordan Novet, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The first indication that dark energy may not be as dominant as previously thought emerged courtesy of the first results from DESI in Spring 2024.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The number of foreign residents has risen sharply in recent years, reaching a record 3 percent of the population in 2024, as Tokyo cautiously loosened visa rules for workers in key industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and caregiving.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • In that appearance, Thilly moonwalked across the floor and performed a backspin before using his allotted five minutes to complain about rising taxes, according to CBS News New York.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Camacho’s sister, who placed the 911 call, had also been injured, suffering superficial cuts and bleeding from her mouth, officials said.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2025
  • This is not the time for superficial love.
    Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 2 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Quince Italian Leather Horsebit Loafer The leather loafers come in three neutral colors, including black, tan, and white, and each features the same horsebit double-ring and gold bar on the front that’s so similar to the design of Gucci’s pair.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The set features a breathable (but not see-through) fabric, a five-button front cardigan, and wide-leg pants.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • These measures arise as essential staff—particularly air traffic controllers—have been working without paychecks.
    Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The conflict could also arise over other core values, such as how to raise kids or what activities to prioritize in the relationship.
    Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Roofroomer has managed to squeeze the most out of the shallow space, though, turning the lower floor area into an effective wet bathroom-kitchen.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 31 Oct. 2025
  • That the people here are all flash and no substance, all smiles and no sincerity, as photogenic as the Pacific at sunset and as shallow as the Los Angeles River during one of our somehow constant historic droughts.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • McDaniel’s job status has been a constant topic of conversation this season, and although the team looked competent on Thursday, the results weren’t there, and patience from fans appears to be at a low point.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Kamala Harris is clearing the air about her desire to appear on Joe Rogan's popular podcast.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

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