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 Infantino has also established strong ties to U.S. President Trump in a relationship that seems to exceed to typical understanding between a soccer official and a sitting head of state. Samindra Kunti, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 The penalty for companies that violate the new rule can exceed $50,000. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2025 How often do your monthly expenses exceed your regular monthly income? Susan Tompor, USA Today, 15 May 2025 The tax break starts to phase out once AGI exceeds $400,000 for married couples filing together or $200,000 for all other taxpayers. Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea, CNBC, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for exceed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exceed
Verb
  • These numbers have surpassed the totality of last year's infections, which added up to just 285 across 32 states with 16 distinct outbreaks and 69% of cases being outbreak-associated.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • This plant would also make the US the largest polyethylene producer in the world, surpassing China.
    Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Rose has been one of the best putters in major championships in recent years: since the beginning of 2023, his average of 0.90 strokes gained putting per round is only bettered by Harris English (1.02).
    Justin Ray, New York Times, 14 May 2025
  • With this acquisition, Richer Poorer will now be folded into Andie’s high-performing e-commerce operations, enabling the brand to better leverage data to drive customer acquisition, optimize inventory and accelerate growth.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • His menu translates to ceviche, fish tacos, dishes topped with hogao or chimichurri sauce and churros.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 13 May 2025
  • Simon Property Group — The real estate investment trust slid 2% despite first-quarter revenue topping expectations.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Strategy’s stock eclipsed most of the S&P 500 with a 2024 return of more than 320%.
    Korok Ray, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • For a little more than a month, the 145% tariff Trump placed on imports from China vastly eclipsed tariffs on other nations’ imports.
    Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 14 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exceed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exceed. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on exceed

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