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
Beatbot Sora 70 Robotic Pool Cleaner Deal The most impressive model that Beatbot has on offer during their sale is the Sora 70, an integrated unit that has cleaning systems for floor, walls, waterline, and surface, leaving no part of your pool untouched. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 19 May 2026 The vessel appeared equipped with both offensive strike weapons and short-range defensive interceptors, a setup rarely seen on smaller unmanned surface craft. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 May 2026
Verb
For example, in one client organization, scenario planning surfaced the risk of a potential strike well before negotiations broke down. Tom Strohl, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026 Jonathan Raymond, the executive director of Highlands who joined the schools in July after the dispute surfaced, also shared hugs with staff and supporters of the schools. Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 20 May 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
  • Foods that should have a crispy exterior, such as french fries, chicken tenders, chicken nuggets, onion rings, mozzarella sticks and even bacon turn out a little better — and quicker — in an air fryer.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 20 May 2026
  • Despite the mothballed plant's handsome brick exterior, inside it's filled with rattling pipes, hazard signs and cockroach carcasses.
    Ishan Thakore, NPR, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • As Bob Myers, president of sports for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, leads the search, several candidates have emerged.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 21 May 2026
  • At the same time, emerging economies across sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia grew substantially brighter as electrification and infrastructure projects expanded into previously dark regions.
    Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • As tensions rise between the United States and China over trade, technology, Taiwan and military influence, the relationship between the world’s two largest economies is increasingly shaping global politics and national security debates.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 15 May 2026
  • The national debt has surpassed the GDP, Social Security and Medicare face looming financial crises, inflation is rising, families are struggling — and yet Congress does nothing.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Especially after that last at-bat Saturday, which is at once a completely superficial and entirely logical point.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 19 May 2026
  • Romano’s sturdy book may not stint on examples of Mary’s bad behavior—including a ferociously jealous verbal assault, near the end of the war, on the wife of a prominent Union general—but the biographer keeps tilting against those who slighted Mary in even the most superficial ways.
    Thomas Mallon, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • Smugglers Run has always been full of distractions, as the screen — in front and somewhat above guests — pulls viewers away from the seat-adjacent wall controls.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2026
  • The service South Africa’s hospitality culture, to many, is par excellence, and Echo’s nearly all-South African front-of-house team feels like a natural extension of this (just in briskier climes).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026
Verb
  • Making changes There’s no telling how long the love affair with GLP-1 medications will last, no knowing if long-term side effects could arise or if a new weight loss method will appear that’s more affordable.
    Connie Ogle May 14, Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
  • The first-year Wings coach also didn’t offer any specifics on the injury, but told reporters that no concerns regarding the knee arose during the predraft evaluation process.
    Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • The submarines are said to be designed for shallow waters like the Strait of Hormuz and can operate quietly for limited periods on battery power.
    Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
  • Bichette dropped a flare into shallow center field out of the reach of converging defenders, allowing Torrens to score the tying run, and Benge to go to first.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • And then another Maloney pitch was mishandled by sophomore catcher Max Pemberton, who appeared to have Johns Hopkins senior shortstop Damian Brown hung up between third base and home plate.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 23 May 2026
  • Charles’ siblings, Princess Anne and Edward, appeared in the portrait as well, joined by Sophie.
    Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 25 May. 2026.

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