surpass

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb surpass contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of surpass are exceed, excel, outdo, outstrip, and transcend. While all these words mean "to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree," surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

the book surpassed our expectations

When might exceed be a better fit than surpass?

Although the words exceed and surpass have much in common, exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.

exceed the speed limit

Where would excel be a reasonable alternative to surpass?

The meanings of excel and surpass largely overlap; however, excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

excels in mathematics

In what contexts can outdo take the place of surpass?

The words outdo and surpass can be used in similar contexts, but outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

outdid herself this time

When is it sensible to use outstrip instead of surpass?

While in some cases nearly identical to surpass, outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

When can transcend be used instead of surpass?

While the synonyms transcend and surpass are close in meaning, transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.

transcended the values of their culture

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 surpass China’s academic scientific output, as measured by publications in Nature journals, has surpassed that of the U.S. Megha Satyanarayana, Scientific American, 25 Apr. 2025 The number of games lost due to injury or illness has surpassed 5,000 in seven of the past eight seasons, per Stotts. Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 25 Apr. 2025 Earlier this year, Swift surpassed Madonna to become the female artist with the most No. 1 albums in U.K. chart history. Thomas Smith, Billboard, 25 Apr. 2025 Despite the customers losses, Comcast’s earnings surpassed analysts’ expectations. Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for surpass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surpass
Verb
  • According to Garber, the Trump administration violated Harvard’s First Amendment rights with its demands and exceeds the statutory limits of the government’s authority under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
    Kayla Jimenez, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Today, a total of five firms hold significant shares in the defense market, each with annual revenue that exceeds $10 billion.
    MICHAEL BROWN, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Surpass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surpass. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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