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 Of the more than 87% of S & P 500 companies that have reported this season, about 77% have surpassed expectations, according to FactSet. Alex Harring, CNBC, 8 May 2025 Morocco became the leading car exporter to the European Union in 2023, surpassing China, Japan and India, according to Auto World Journal. Patricia Cohen, New York Times, 7 May 2025 The state has surpassed Japan as the world’s fourth-largest economy. Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 7 May 2025 Sunday’s race is expected to set the record for the most participants in a marathon, surpassing the 55,646 finishers at last year’s New York City Marathon. Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for surpass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surpass
exceed
Verb
  • Miller appeared in only six of Minnesota’s 12 playoff games, exclusively in garbage time and failing to exceed one minute of playing time in any contest.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • The priciest units sold so far exceeded $3,000 per square feet, a metric used to compare neighborhoods.
    Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Surpass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surpass. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on surpass

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!