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 Allen is a three-time all-state first-team selection and was the first player in Oak Park High School history to surpass 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in his career. Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2025 The world’s most prominent digital currency surpassed $107,000 last night, according to Coinbase data from TradingView. Charles Lloyd Bovaird Ii, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 With 896 tackles, Warner is 55 shy of surpassing Willis for the most in 49ers history. Cam Inman, Mercury News, 19 May 2025 These numbers have surpassed the totality of last year's infections, which added up to just 285 across 32 states with 16 distinct outbreaks and 69% of cases being outbreak-associated. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 10 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Surpass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surpass. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on surpass

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