surface 1 of 3

Definition of surfacenext
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
As the sky dissolves into purples and oranges, breaks appear in the water's surface. Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Mar. 2026 Scientists referenced research suggesting that scorpion exoskeletons can fluoresce under ultraviolet light and may function as a light-sensing surface. Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
So far, only one revenue bill has surfaced — a measure sponsored by Assemblymember Damon Connolly, D-San Rafael, to tighten the tax code for multinational corporations. Andrew Graham march 9, Sacbee.com, 10 Mar. 2026 In addition, Tyler Herro surfaced on the Heat injury report with soreness in his left quadriceps, later declared out against the Wizards. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Destroyer Squadron 15 said the war game improved overall interoperability among the four forces in advanced maneuvering scenarios, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, information sharing and maritime operations. Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025 Note that the multi-surface file, scissors and saw join the blade on the outside of the closed Alpha body, accessible without opening the plier handles. New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for surface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surface
Noun
  • The exterior of the building will be made of mostly stucco with pops of color including blue, green and grey, Schwartz said.
    Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Painted Brick Painting your front door to add a pop of color or updating your home's exterior with fresh paint is typically a great way to spruce up and appeal to buyers.
    Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Starmer fired Mandelson after nine months in the job when new details of the relationship with Epstein emerged, and now faces a political storm over the appointment.
    JILL LAWLESS AND BRIAN MELLEY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Oklahoma emerged from the break continuing its offensive spurt and outscored the Gamecocks 13-5 in the first five minutes of the second half and led 56-47.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Over the years, Franklin has risen from special teams ace to every-down linebacker.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • This shift comes amid rising government instability in Africa.
    Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In her closing argument, Wanzenberg repeatedly noted that Mahdee received more than 40 stab wounds, and Vargas had three superficial cuts on his arm.
    Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
  • But all the wounds were superficial.
    Sean Emery, Oc Register, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Mission accomplished on that front.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The Dolphins plan to utilize both three- and four-man defensive fronts this season under coach Jeff Hafley, the former defensive coordinator who will call defensive plays, and first-year defensive coordinator Sean Duggan.
    Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • When disagreements arise, acknowledge everyone’s different points of view before jumping to defend your ideas.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Mar. 2026
  • If the cosmic inflation that occurred prior to the Big Bang arose because certain high-energy conditions were met, then recreating those conditions and those sufficiently high energies could cause a restoration of the inflationary state.
    Big Think, Big Think, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • American beech trees send down a taproot, but after about 25 to 30 years, more shallow roots draw the nutrients, leaving the taproot’s function to be structural rather than nutritional.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Those thin trigger points are often found near rocks, below cliff bands, or in shallow areas where the snowpack is weaker.
    Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • For the United States and its allies, however, countering the Shahed threat appears to be a game of catch-up, some experts say.
    Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Judge Paul Friedman appeared skeptical of government claims that the policy is necessary for national security.
    Michael Kunzelman, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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