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 Over the past year, Scopely has set multiple records, including surpassing $10 billion in lifetime revenue and seeing its games downloaded more than 1 billion times. Jennifer Maas, Variety, 25 June 2025 Last year was the hottest summer on record globally, surpassing a previous high in 2023 — this year could set another. Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 25 June 2025 Bespoke Investment Group calculates that the S & P 500's average performance on days after a daily decline is the highest in at least 33 years, narrowly surpassing the 2020 average. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 14 June 2025 This hindrance surpasses issues with broken or faulty facilities, room problems, and a sudden halt in amenities. Geoff Whitmore, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for surpass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surpass
exceed
Verb
  • That deal could have reached as high as £89m (€100m) were subsequent clauses met; the amounts guaranteed on the sale of Wirtz have already exceeded that figure.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 June 2025
  • Annual interest payments now already exceed $1 trillion, and JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon has called it a red flag.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Surpass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surpass. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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