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
The most physically active trips can include public transit, lots of walking, and uneven surfaces. Christine Sarkis, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026 Even fully loaded, the wheels stayed stable over different surfaces, including pavement, gravel, and grass. Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
The debut release of a once-obscure Air Jordan 6 colorway will be one of the big-ticket items during NBA All-Star Weekend, and more plans centered upon the sneaker are surfacing as the occasion draws nearer. Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 27 Jan. 2026 Last week, reports surfaced that Glenn was considering adding a veteran offensive coach to his staff following a 3-14 season. Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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 That, though, would be a gross misestimation of a car that is a complete sub-surface reinvention in the Blue Oval’s pursuit of the ultimate track horse. Tim Stevens, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for surface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surface
Noun
  • The soft Italian suede is treated with the brand’s proprietary City Dry technology, which creates a waterproof exterior to combat rain and slush.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 28 Jan. 2026
  • The 6,000-square-foot estate draws heavily on Moroccan design motifs, with the celebrated interior designer Brittny Button bringing in touches like a 13th-century fireplace in the living room and Moroccan fountains along the exterior.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • When censorship finally began to ease in the 1990s, Korean filmmakers emerged with a profound understanding of cinematic storytelling.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Before Papaya, Guez ran businesses helping companies move and employ workers in emerging markets.
    Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Growth in services consumption outpacing goods expenditure largely reflects rising average income levels and would likely have occurred even without policy support, said Duncan Wrigley, chief China economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
  • As the temperature rose, Mccullough said some workers clocked off at lunchtime, and other businesses closed early.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • And to folks unfamiliar with the IP system, that makes some superficial sense.
    David J. Kappos, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Whether opting for a superficial peel like a lactic or glycolic acid, a medium-depth peel such as Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA), or deep treatment such as phenol, a chemical peel can address many skin concerns.
    Essence, Essence, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • On the production front, Micron excels in advanced DRAM nodes, including the early sampling of 1-gamma DRAM using EUV.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Aaron Glenn stood in front of a crowd of reporters, Jets staffers and former Jets players at his introductory news conference as the franchise’s new head coach and announced to the world that things were going to be different with him in charge.
    Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The idea arose when, as a result of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Western artists began to write and create art about the preconditions and reasons behind Russia’s actions.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
  • This time around, aside from warding off mental demons that arose from her crash, Shiffrin, at 30, must also fight the indignities of age.
    Sean Gregory, Time, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The world is overwhelmed with noise — outrage cycles, shallow takes, and a culture that rewards certainty over understanding.
    Daphne Koller, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
  • In a third shallow dish place coconut.
    Holly Riordan, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • To guarantee the full amount for the upcoming season, Huff had to play either 825 minutes or appear in 55 games in one of the 2024-25 or 2025-26 seasons.
    Tony East, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Your husband appears to be more than a little controlling by attempting to tell you how to spend your free time.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

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