Synonyms of exceed

exceed

verb

ik-ˈsēd 

1

as in to surpass

to go beyond the limit of

by resorting to corporal punishment, the teacher had clearly exceeded his authority

Synonyms & Similar Words

• surpass
• transcend
• break
• invade
• outrun
• overrun
• overstep
• overshoot
• overreach
• outreach
• encroach
• infringe
• trespass
• overpass
• entrench
• overdo
• overuse
• overwork
• overutilize

2

as in to better

to be greater, better, or stronger than

her knowledge of French wines exceeds that of anyone else I know

Synonyms & Similar Words

• surpass
• better
• top
• eclipse
• beat
• transcend
• excel
• overcome
• outstrip
• outdo
• outshine
• master
• outweigh
• outdistance
• defeat
• overshadow
• overtop
• outmatch
• tower (over)
• outclass
• outpace
• outgun
• best
• go one better
• surmount
• outrun
• worst
• run circles around
• subdue
• conquer
• outperform
• prevail (over)
• triumph (over)
• win (against)
• one-up
• crush
• trump
• lick
• trim
• shame
• outrace
• outcompete
• rout
• clobber
• whip
• overmatch
• thrash
• trounce
• overpass
• overbear
• outbalance
• wallop
• drub
• skunk

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lose (to)

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

Recent Examples of exceed

These flights have seen delays, some minor and others exceeding five hours, and even a last-minute cancellation with no immediate alternatives. —Essence, 10 Nov. 2025

According to the weather service, the probability of snow exceeding one inch is low and would be limited to the highest elevations. —Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 10 Nov. 2025

The year 2023 was, by a wide margin, the warmest on record, until it was exceeded by 2024. —Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025

But medical bills, legal fees and other costs can easily exceed your policy’s liability limits. —Liz Knueven, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2025