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
Powered by acoustic sound wave technology, the device sends gentle vibrations 2.4 inches beneath the skin’s surface to activate facial muscles and target areas like crow’s feet and nasolabial folds. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 13 Aug. 2025 The bracelet from Reality Labs at Meta uses metal contacts placed against the skin to detect electrical signals from muscles—a technique known as surface electromyography (sEMG)—which are generated in response to commands from the brain. IEEE Spectrum, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
Still, Donalds paid Wilcoxson about $134,000 during the 2024 cycle, according to the research website OpenSecrets — well after Wilcoxson’s past actions surfaced in news reports. Kirby Wilson, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2025 However, beneath it all, his hidden wishes begin to surface. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
The battery life alone (23 minutes and 30 seconds) makes this one of the best cordless vacuums, but there are some additional unique features that helped this Eureka multi-surface model stand out to us. Alida Nugent, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2023 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 See All Example Sentences for surface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surface
Noun
  • The exterior of the Kempner Theater was later altered into more of an Art Deco style that was highlighted by ceramic tile.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Aug. 2025
  • The weekender bag has a soft exterior that is flexible enough to accommodate clothes, shoes, and toiletries, and the material is waterproof, ensuring everything inside is protected regardless of travel-day conditions.
    Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 9 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • This year will see the launch of Talents Innovation Forum, a three-day strand within the program that is designed to give both emerging talent and seasoned professionals a clearer view of the overlap between cinema, animation and video-game development.
    Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 12 Aug. 2025
  • The new manslaughter charge comes after the Herald in recent months reported on conflicting accounts about Pino being under the influence that emerged in law enforcement officers’ depositions.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The reduction came as rents in Chicago keep rising and after the state grappled with serious fiscal challenges when balancing its budget this year, issues exacerbated by a federal government focused on axing spending.
    Lizzie Kane, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Expect creeks to rise and have more flow in the Coastal Range, Willapa Hills and Cascades.
    Zach Urness, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Underwriting Must Be Rigorous And Justified Due diligence cannot be superficial.
    Adam Craig, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • On the other hand, Claude’s analysis of my email often feels superficial and biased toward newer messages.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • After suiting up for the Eagles during their Super Bowl-winning season, the 25-year-old defensive lineman will now take his talents to Las Vegas to make up for a key loss on the Raiders' defensive front.
    Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Also on the sustainability front, since last year ICR pivoted from using cosmetic-grade alcohol derived from Hungarian corn to the one derived from German sugar beet, a shift that ensures a lower environmental impact and a greater agricultural efficiency and quality.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Controversy arose when the CSC illustrated how a backer of an NIL deal must be an entity that provides goods for services to the public for profit.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Complexities arise in cases where humans are involved due to confusion and lack of training.
    Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The brand’s debut resort in the Caribbean is set around a lush lagoon and enjoys a prime spot by the child friendly La Sagesse Bay with its shallow warm waters.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Real impact, meaningful personal connections, and deeper forms of friendship all become secondary to this shallow game of online quantification.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Actually, with rookie starter Carlos Narvaez suffering what appeared to be a strained knee in Tuesday's game against the Royals, the Boston catcher position from top to bottom suddenly looks shaky.
    Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Aug. 2025
  • Spoons appears to be about 3 years old, the zoo staff estimates.
    Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 9 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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