Synonyms of surpass

surpass

verb

sər-ˈpas 

1

as in to exceed

to be greater, better, or stronger than

she always tried to surpass her older brother at anything he did

Synonyms & Similar Words

• exceed
• eclipse
• better
• top
• outdo
• outstrip
• transcend
• outshine
• beat
• excel
• outdistance
• overcome
• outmatch
• outclass
• overtop
• master
• outpace
• tower (over)
• overshadow
• outgun
• defeat
• outrun
• outweigh
• best
• run rings around
• go one better
• surmount
• outperform
• conquer
• worst
• one-up
• run circles around
• subdue
• prevail (over)
• triumph (over)
• win (against)
• trump
• outcompete
• outrace
• lick
• crush
• shame
• rout
• clobber
• trounce
• trim
• overmatch
• whip
• thrash
• overpass
• overbear
• outbalance
• drub
• wallop
• skunk

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lose (to)

2

as in to transcend

to go beyond the limit of

the sales of the band's newest CD have surpassed the combined sales of its last two albums

Synonyms & Similar Words

• exceed
• transcend
• outrun
• overrun
• overstep
• overshoot
• overreach
• outreach
• break
• invade
• encroach
• infringe
• overpass
• trespass
• entrench
• overdo
• intrench
• overuse
• overwork
• overutilize

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

Recent Examples of surpass

During the week there, the sequel surpassed the lifetime of Trolls and this weekend overtook Elemental. —Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2025

Despite the card having a pre-auction estimate of $6 million, the sale price surpasses the previous record – the $12.6 million paid in 2022 for a mint condition 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle baseball card. —Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2025

The figure surpassed the previous mark that was set in 2002. —Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2025

Arsenal surpassed that in July, paying $1.3m (£1m) to sign Olivia Smith from Liverpool. —Cerys Jones, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2025