1
as in exceeding
to be greater, better, or stronger than
she always tried to surpass her older brother at anything he did
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in transcending
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
as in extraordinary
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of surpassing
Jillian Kubala, Health, 1 Oct. 2025
In just the first seven months, the city has already welcomed more than 636 medium- and large-scale projects, including 46 fiction films — surpassing the total for all of last year — 33 series, and over 260 commercials.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
Jones was the 13th inmate executed in Florida this year, surpassing Florida’s previous record of eight executions in 2014.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
His reported $17 million annual average value (AAV) is also the most ever, surpassing Leon Draisaitl's $14 million AAV.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2025
In a rare turn for Chinese tech, Alibaba is leaning heavily into superintelligence — a hypothetical AI system surpassing human intellect — mirroring efforts by US firms like OpenAI and Meta.
—semafor.com, 29 Sep. 2025
The acquisition would represent the biggest leveraged buyout in history, surpassing the $32bn takeover of TXU Energy in 2007.
—Ali Rampling, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Over the last five years, more than 500,000 clean energy jobs have been added, far surpassing the growth in the fossil fuel, gas and diesel motor vehicle sectors.
—Daniel Manzo, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2025
The Padres’ 178 victories over the past two seasons are their most ever in back-to-back years, surpassing the total from 2006 (88-74) and ‘07 (89-74).
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
This naturally gluten-free carb source packs 38% of the magnesium DV per cup, surpassing the amount found in more popular grains and pseudocereals like quinoa and oats.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 1 Oct. 2025
In just the first seven months, the city has already welcomed more than 636 medium- and large-scale projects, including 46 fiction films — surpassing the total for all of last year — 33 series, and over 260 commercials.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
Jones was the 13th inmate executed in Florida this year, surpassing Florida’s previous record of eight executions in 2014.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
His reported $17 million annual average value (AAV) is also the most ever, surpassing Leon Draisaitl's $14 million AAV.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2025
In a rare turn for Chinese tech, Alibaba is leaning heavily into superintelligence — a hypothetical AI system surpassing human intellect — mirroring efforts by US firms like OpenAI and Meta.
—semafor.com, 29 Sep. 2025
The acquisition would represent the biggest leveraged buyout in history, surpassing the $32bn takeover of TXU Energy in 2007.
—Ali Rampling, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Over the last five years, more than 500,000 clean energy jobs have been added, far surpassing the growth in the fossil fuel, gas and diesel motor vehicle sectors.
—Daniel Manzo, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2025
The Padres’ 178 victories over the past two seasons are their most ever in back-to-back years, surpassing the total from 2006 (88-74) and ‘07 (89-74).
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surpassing
Verb
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Families with incomes not exceeding 200% of the federal poverty level are eligible to participate in Wisconsin Shares, and may remain eligible until their income reaches 85% of the state median income.—
Jessie Opoien,
jsonline.com,
1 Oct. 2025
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As of late August 2025, the department reported a backlog exceeding 1 million pending IDR applications.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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As a result, Ecuador has avoided the extraordinary inflation that has afflicted so many nations in South America, including Argentina.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
8 Oct. 2025
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Created in her honor, this rose symbolizes her lifelong mission to protect people, animals, and the environment, offering gardeners a living reminder of her extraordinary impact and enduring message of hope.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Organizers announced an official attendance of 112,408, eclipsing the 110,905 mark set by George Strait at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field last year.—
Joel Hoard,
Rolling Stone,
28 Sep. 2025
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And earlier this month, Ellison briefly became the richest person in the world, eclipsing Elon Musk, as Oracle’s stock exploded on its prognostications for its booming AI business.—
Hadas Gold,
CNN Money,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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As monarch, Charles is the supreme governor of the Church of England, a role established in the 16th century when King Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church.—
Muvija M,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
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Thanks to the supreme power of a microchip, the shelter was able to track down his owner, Christian Gonzales.—
TJ Macias,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Conchas Conchas are perhaps the most beloved and recognizable type of pan dulce, instantly identifiable by their round, pillowy shape and signature sugar shell topping.—
Tiffany Acosta,
AZCentral.com,
1 Oct. 2025
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Hawes led the way for tight ends with 31 of the team’s 59 snaps, topping Knox (24) and Kincaid (22).—
Joe Buscaglia,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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While the Houston Rockets understandably hogged summer offseason headlines early for their blockbuster trade acquisition of Kevin Durant and some great free agent signings, the Knicks have quietly enjoyed a superlative summer of team-building.—
Alex Kirschenbaum,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Sep. 2025
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On drums she’s got Kyle Poole, a superlative accompanist whose gained widespread notice on viral videos with pianist Emmet Cohen and touring with vocal star Cécile McLorin Salvant, including a spring 2024 at the SFJAZZ Center.—
Andrew Gilbert,
Mercury News,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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More pertinently, if Iroegbunam or Gueye tired or did not screen passes correctly (shown below), Rogers and Emiliano Buendia had huge spaces to receive and turn, owing to Everton’s deep centre-backs refusing to step out.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
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Mason had a huge game against the Bengals in Week 3, racking up 116 yards and two touchdowns on two carries.—
Jacob Camenker,
USA Today,
5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Those designing the new main building decided to cut that association, the aim being to make the first-team facilities an area players must aspire to enter.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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In addition, Zacapa, the premium main sponsor of spirits at LAFS, will once again present the Visionary of the Year Award during the summit’s closing cocktail ceremony.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Surpassing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surpassing. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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