exceed

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb exceed contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of exceed are excel, outdo, outstrip, surpass, and transcend. While all these words mean "to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree," exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.

exceed the speed limit

When would excel be a good substitute for exceed?

Although the words excel and exceed have much in common, excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

excels in mathematics

When is it sensible to use outdo instead of exceed?

The words outdo and exceed are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

outdid herself this time

Where would outstrip be a reasonable alternative to exceed?

The synonyms outstrip and exceed are sometimes interchangeable, but outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

When could surpass be used to replace exceed?

In some situations, the words surpass and exceed are roughly equivalent. However, surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

the book surpassed our expectations

When is transcend a more appropriate choice than exceed?

While the synonyms transcend and exceed are close in meaning, transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.

transcended the values of their culture

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 exceed Clusters of thunderstorms can develop over the ocean when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees. Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2025 As search teams set about recovering bodies from the charred government buildings, the death toll rose to more than seventy, and the number of injured exceeded two thousand. Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025 Every system that exceeds 100kW in the world belongs to China. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2025 The company’s existing roster includes Amazon, Starbucks, Warner Music, L’Oréal Group, Tata Group, McDonald’s and Uber, supported by a creator network exceeding 400,000 members through its Animeta Brandstar platform. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exceed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exceed
Verb
  • The circle this year celebrated surpassing the $2 million mark in support of 171 initiatives and projects since its founding 23 years ago.
    Carin Schoppmeyer, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2025
  • There are a total of 28 points available over the three-day tournament, and the first national team to surpass 14 points wins.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Relay success boosted Team USA’s total gold medal haul to 16, bettering the record of 14 the team set at the 2005, 2007 and 2019 championships, with five silver and bronzes apiece taking the total medal count to 26.
    Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2025
  • But right now, my generation is two teams fighting against each other and not coming together to better our country.
    Eli Thompson, Rolling Stone, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Daniel DaSilva scored twice, and Tommy Hynes scored his first varsity goal as Rockland (4-3) topped Mystic Valley, 5-1.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 23 Sep. 2025
  • In 2013, Liverpool defeated runners-up Bristol Academy to top the table by five points.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • With Sunday’s crowd of 46,601 in the regular-season home finale, the Dodgers eclipsed the 4-million mark in attendance for the first time in franchise history, drawing 4,012,470 fans in 81 games in Chavez Ravine, an average of 49,537 per game.
    Mike Digiovanna, Oc Register, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Shannon Lane, who eclipsed 100 career points as a sophomore last year, roofed a highlight-reel reverse chip to the top shelf in the first quarter for a 1-0 lead.
    Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 22 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Exceed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exceed. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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