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 mildly alkaline solution created by baking soda helps degrade many contact pesticides on the surface, Gao said. Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 9 June 2026 The Corsair is an autonomous surface vessel stretching 24 feet in length developed by Saronic Technologies, a defense company based in Austin, Texas. Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 9 June 2026
Verb
Cleary asks people to pay attention to which feelings keep surfacing and when—anger that flares every evening, say, or loneliness that creeps in at night. Angela Haupt, Time, 10 June 2026 Further allegations against Sullivan surfaced in a 1981 undercover investigation by the News of the World. Will Barker, TheWeek, 10 June 2026
Adjective
Mura’s research team suggests that the sub-surface and mantle of Io may be like a sponge, in the sense that it is filled with pores filled with magma. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 29 Jan. 2026 The proposal includes a tennis center with multi-surface courts, hotels, water polo facilities, retail, a wellness center and stadium to host soccer matches. Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for surface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surface
Noun
  • The ceremony also marks the contribution of the generations of artisans whose work is at last fully visible as the final cranes and scaffolding are peeled from the basilica’s exterior.
    Claudio Lavanga, NBC news, 10 June 2026
  • The resulting pastry, exemplified by rum-and-vanilla scented versions sold at Bordeaux pastry shop Baillardran, has a custard-like texture and mahogany exterior.
    CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • With a new wave of extraordinary properties, transformative experiences, and a clear vision rooted in sustainability and authenticity, the country is emerging as one of the Caribbean’s most compelling destinations for the discerning traveler.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
  • The matchup emerged after Raman erased a roughly 40,000-vote election night deficit against Pratt and overtook him in subsequent ballot count updates.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026
  • Reality competition slipped to 45 from 50; unstructured reality rose to 38 from 36.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • But our conversation ended up being so much about women and mothers generally, and how people in their lives create these illusions of normalcy and these illusions of perfection based on superficial stuff.
    David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2026
  • Her music owned up to being horny, garish, and superficial, but could scan as thin or cheap when held up to other kinds of ethical or political scrutiny.
    Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Jude Bellingham — England/Real Madrid Between nagging injuries and adjusting his midfield role to accommodate Mbappe and Vinicius in front of him, Bellingham’s final third output has dipped significantly from his blistering debut season at Real Madrid.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 11 June 2026
  • With just over five seconds remaining, Brunson got the inbounds pass and chucked up a long three-pointer that hit the front of the rim.
    Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • However, exceptions can arise when your spouse shares legal responsibility for the debt, when community property laws apply or when certain types of obligations are involved.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 11 June 2026
  • The show focuses on various themes, among them, Revolutionary Textiles, which documents the Homespun movement that arose to boycott British imports; Across the Atlantic centers on continental influences on Colonial fashion; The Business of Sea chronicles Sag Harbor’s maritime past.
    Catherine Sabino, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Transfer salad to a large shallow bowl.
    Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 June 2026
  • The shallow Ethiopian gambella canoe basket makes a particularly good dining or coffee table centerpiece, especially as a counterpoint to glass or glossy surfaces that need grounding.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Balogun appeared to double the lead coming out of the hydration break midway through the opening half, but the goal was negated by an offside call.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026
  • Perhaps the most striking part of the visit was seeing the pope appearing the most relaxed and happy since the beginning of his papacy.
    Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 13 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

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