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
These may include walking the dog or walking leisurely on flat surfaces. Md Published, Verywell Health, 26 June 2025 Guillemots flap-splashed away across the smooth surface of the bay. James Rebanks june 26, Literary Hub, 26 June 2025
Verb
Trump officials had a more nuanced take after news reports surfaced Tuesday about an initial Defense Intelligence Agency assessment that said the attack set back Iran's nuclear program only by months. Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 28 June 2025 Celtics trade star guard Jrue Holiday On Monday, reports surfaced about two-time NBA All-Star Jrue Holiday's future home. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025
Adjective
The battery life alone (23 minutes and 30 seconds) makes this one of the best cordless vacuums, but there are some additional unique features that helped this Eureka multi-surface model stand out to us. Alida Nugent, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2023 In it were tablets containing concentrated hand soap as well as multi-surface, glass and bathroom cleaners — and four empty containers. Susan Shain, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2023 See All Example Sentences for surface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surface
Noun
  • Glow in the Dark Cars MBUX Fluid Light Paint coats the exterior of the Concept AMG GT XX.
    Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • Another common misstep is ignoring undertones, which can result in clashing colors that disrupt the overall harmony of your exterior.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Outlook for the region In emerging markets such as those in Southeast Asia where labor costs are low, companies may feel less motivated to boost efficiency through adoption of technology.
    Bernice Ooi, CNBC, 26 June 2025
  • Looking forward, emerging capabilities promise greater transformation.
    Richard Lebovitz, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Refill and reuse is a rising movement: both a return to commonsense practices our grandparents knew — and a path forward toward innovation.
    Rachel Bustamante, Baltimore Sun, 28 June 2025
  • Even more depressing is the scene at the end of President Andrews' address, when both sides of the aisle and all of the spectators rise in unanimous, unrestrained applause.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • By proactively identifying and mitigating potential data pitfalls and by diligently implementing these four key strategies, product strategy teams can transition from having a superficial reliance on data to a deep and comprehensive mastery of it.
    Ramalakshmi Murugan, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • Yet the superficial script lets the actors and crew members down.
    Stephen Farber, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • With two eight-piston monobloc calipers at the front and two six-piston monobloc calipers at the back, the brake system can bring the Bolide from 186 mph to a standstill in 6.0 seconds, doing so in 748 feet.
    Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 30 June 2025
  • The story at the front of the room is often one of strategic control.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Suddenly Flips First, in diversity of citizenship cases (as here), the federal courts will apply their own procedural rules but they are also required to apply the substantive rules of the state from where the action arises.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
  • Russia has also welcomed the golden share, which again arose during a domestic privatization drive.
    Cecilia Hult, Fortune, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • The viral clip, which has garnered over 188,000 views since it was posted on June 23, shows the whales moving helplessly in shallow waters.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
  • White sharks hunt and feed on seals in shallow water close to shore.
    Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Video recreations like Cameron's appear across popular platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 24 June 2025
  • At a meeting Tuesday morning, Collier County commissioners appeared to have been caught off guard by the state’s plans for the Everglades airfield.
    Skyler Swisher, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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