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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
The system is designed to perform multi-step tasks rather than single actions, meaning the robot can complete sequences of tasks such as picking up items, placing them in storage, cleaning surfaces, and interacting with appliances.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026
Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
Dylann Roof internalized white-supremacist messages from websites surfaced by search algorithms, and later carried out the 2015 shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina.
—Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026
Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for surface
Noun
The cave spiders are genetically distinct from their surface-dwelling relatives — same species, different DNA.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
The system is designed to perform multi-step tasks rather than single actions, meaning the robot can complete sequences of tasks such as picking up items, placing them in storage, cleaning surfaces, and interacting with appliances.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
The controversy surfaced in January when the UFT’s general counsel sent a cease-and-desist letter to the city’s DOE, detailing the claims.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
Dylann Roof internalized white-supremacist messages from websites surfaced by search algorithms, and later carried out the 2015 shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina.
—Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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
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
See All Example Sentences for surface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surface
Noun
-
An impressive revolving stage, which displayed both the exterior of the bank and the bland lobby inside, toggled smoothly between scenes.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The rehab project at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption was sorely needed to repair deteriorated stone, metal and glass that adorns the limestone exterior.—
Dylan Lovan,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The new biennials that emerged in non-Western cities in these years offered an alternative to this idea that difference necessarily leads to conflict, proposing spaces in which difference could be staged without being territorialized.—
Daniel Birnbaum,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Phelps has emerged as the leading force among the linebacker group and appears to be the only lock as a 2026 starter.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Now there's another big one; the cost of nitrogen fertilizer, which often comes in the form of urea, is rising due to war.—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Pisces February 19 – March 20 A fresh voice rises from within you.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
For now, at least, that defense is mostly superficial.—
Gaby Del Valle,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
-
These smaller, superficial doses can help minimize the appearance of pores, reduce oiliness, soften fine lines, and create a smoother overall finish without freezing your facial movements.—
Jenny Jin,
Allure,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In December 2023, Darrell Fletcher had a dead, mature tree fall in front of his car on Druid Park Drive.—
Chevall Pryce,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Police then lost sight of the vehicle before spotting it being driven west on Campbell Avenue, where the driver abruptly stopped in front of a bar, according to Allard.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Having legal documents on hand, at a lawyer’s office or in a file cabinet not only provides peace of mind, but can prevent conflict and legal fees when tragedy or challenges arise.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Because midwives are trained to oversee low-risk pregnancies and usually send patients to hospitals if complications arise, agreements with physicians in theory should give midwives someone to consult or transfer patients to in such scenarios.—
Aria Bendix,
NBC news,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
If the topsoil isn't very deep on part of the lawn due to shallow tree roots popping up there, add 1/4 inch of topsoil.—
David Beaulieu,
The Spruce,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Arrange ribs in shallow bowls, over mashed potatoes if desired, and spoon sauce over.—
Jenny Rosenstrach,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Zeeshan later appeared in bond court facing a charge of assault with religious prejudice.—
Nikiya Carrero,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Nancy Metayer Bowen appeared to be living her best life.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
