surface 1 of 3

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 surface can become almost waterproof, causing runoff. Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 27 Sep. 2025 Alma is torn between her loyalty to Hank and believing Maggie, all while her own dark secrets threaten to bubble to the surface. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
Cisneros said investigators are aware of a video taken at the apartment complex that surfaced on social media and captured what sounded like 12 gunshots being rapidly fired. Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2025 Reinhart said surfacing trending pieces can continue helping wash away the stigma associated with secondhand. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
This wet-dry vacuum can tackle literally any mess with a multi-surface wet roller head, a hair de-tangler, and a dust detect sensor. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 8 Aug. 2025 With modern farming, and its use of pesticides and herbicides, surface microbial communities often suffer. New Atlas, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for surface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surface
Noun
  • Microfleece lining on the interior creates a light but appreciably warm layer, while rugged cotton canvas on the exterior cuts the wind chill, protects from abrasions, and looks stylish to boot.
    Alice Bennett, Travel + Leisure, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The exterior reflects this theme, with blue and white siding and nautical-style light fixtures.
    Lennie Omalza, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • And its prestige image started to fade as snazzy new Chinese EV makers emerged and Tesla’s lineup needed a refresher (a new, roomier six-seater Model Y had a successful launch in August).
    Rebecca A. Fannin, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • This card often symbolizes new beginnings that emerge from emotional clarity.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Courtney Stodden rose to fame as a tabloid fixture and reality TV star after marrying 51-year-old actor Doug Hutchison at age 16.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Despite having full-time employment, many struggle to save enough for housing due to stagnant wages and rising expenses.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • So, pretty people and sunshine are a superficial symptom of something much deeper.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Mark’s bond with another trainer, Bas Rutten (played by the real-life former wrestler and broadcaster Bas Rutten), is similarly superficial.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • And for the first time, the exclamation mark people are influential, energized and presenting a broad front.
    Alan J. Borsuk, jsonline.com, 26 Sep. 2025
  • There, officers were summoned to the front of a nearby home where a man was found just outside.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Clot formation is a health risk arising from sluggish blood flow through the veins.
    Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The political resonance of his project arises not from an explicit statement of values but from a tender demonstration of complex, undeniable humanity.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Anybody, whether on the left or the right, who is unwilling to accept the possibility that their own views may be wrong, has no more than a shallow commitment to freedom of opinion and expression.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Because of its shallow bowl and medium-length prongs, this hair diffuser dryer is best for shorter hair lengths or fine, curly hair, effectively lifting and setting any curl pattern.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The case, which initially appeared to be the tragic end to a stalking situation, revealed how Daniel thoroughly created a false narrative using burner phones and carefully planned digital deception, all while playing the role of a concerned husband.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Johnson appeared at the Zurich Film Festival, where she was set to receive the Golden Eye Award.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 26 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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