as in extraordinary
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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
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
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Recent Examples of surpassing
Bethy Squires, Vulture, 22 Feb. 2026
Revenue for the period was $636 million, surpassing the Street’s call for $629 million.
—Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026
That’s a head-scratcher because Zootopia 2 is such a sharp sequel, even surpassing the original, with much to say and a lot of appeal beyond just a kids base.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2026
Still, Altman is bullish on AI’s potential, saying that even in two years, the wealth of the world’s intellect will live inside data centers, surpassing the intelligence of most humans.
—Jake Angelo, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
By October 22 of last year, LMPD had conducted approximately 23,500 traffic stops, according to a Courier Journal analysis of Metro government data, surpassing 2024’s total of 21,475 stops with two months still remaining, our Monroe Trombly reports.
—Ray Padilla, Louisville Courier Journal, 19 Feb. 2026
Martinelli moved into eighth place on Northwestern’s career scoring list in the first half, surpassing 1,588 career points.
—ABC News, 18 Feb. 2026
Pokémon is the world’s highest-grossing media franchise, surpassing even Disney and Star Wars.
—Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026
And Gamson’s college buddy Fred Maher, a drummer for Lou Reed, Richard Hell, and the avant-funk band Material, who, like Gartside, saw how the new electronic pop was surpassing the musical adventurousness of his old post-punk comfort zone.
—Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
The film broke the record for most BAFTAs for a movie by a Black director, surpassing 12 Years a Slave’s previous record of two in 2014.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 22 Feb. 2026
Revenue for the period was $636 million, surpassing the Street’s call for $629 million.
—Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026
That’s a head-scratcher because Zootopia 2 is such a sharp sequel, even surpassing the original, with much to say and a lot of appeal beyond just a kids base.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2026
Still, Altman is bullish on AI’s potential, saying that even in two years, the wealth of the world’s intellect will live inside data centers, surpassing the intelligence of most humans.
—Jake Angelo, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
By October 22 of last year, LMPD had conducted approximately 23,500 traffic stops, according to a Courier Journal analysis of Metro government data, surpassing 2024’s total of 21,475 stops with two months still remaining, our Monroe Trombly reports.
—Ray Padilla, Louisville Courier Journal, 19 Feb. 2026
Martinelli moved into eighth place on Northwestern’s career scoring list in the first half, surpassing 1,588 career points.
—ABC News, 18 Feb. 2026
Pokémon is the world’s highest-grossing media franchise, surpassing even Disney and Star Wars.
—Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026
And Gamson’s college buddy Fred Maher, a drummer for Lou Reed, Richard Hell, and the avant-funk band Material, who, like Gartside, saw how the new electronic pop was surpassing the musical adventurousness of his old post-punk comfort zone.
—Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 15 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surpassing
Adjective
-
Nothing unrealistic or extraordinary.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Though her burial exemplified nothing extraordinary, as a woman with no status, the surgery demonstrates that the Pazyryk took care to tend to the sick and injured in their society, regardless of their station, Gizmodo reported.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
But the company used the same show to highlight its new take on the Mustang muscle car — a version called the Dark Horse SC with horsepower exceeding 500 and a price expected to top $90,000.—
Bloomberg,
Oc Register,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Several consultancies now require AI proficiency for some hires, with a focus on exceeding what a client could generate using the tech themselves.—
J.D. Capelouto,
semafor.com,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Cornbread is notable for its supreme moistness, and stewed cabbage and collars are piquant and satisfying.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
That is the supreme good of the universe needed in your heart and home, on the job, in government, between nations.—
Tonya Blazio-Licorish,
Footwear News,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
With current policies and spending, the country’s national debt will surge to 120% of GDP by 2030, eclipsing the previous record of 106% set right after World War II.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Week leading up, the game dominated headlines, alongside and even eclipsing the war.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Leo Carlsson, center, A- Carlsson had a superlative start to the season, looking every bit the equal of his most prominent peers like Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini in the first two months of 2025-26.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Seafood and cocktails with lavender, thyme, and other local herbs seduce guests in the superlative beach club on A-lister Plage de Pampelonne.—
Rosalyn Wikeley,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Americans are divided nationally, with chains like Wendy’s and Sonic topping five states each, but Texas stood firmly behind its homegrown orange-and-white institution.—
Julianna Duennes Russ,
Austin American Statesman,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Stick to this basic recipe from Atlanta chef Todd Ginsberg to start and offer guests fun topping options—sour cream and applesauce included, of course.—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The residences are huge, and the life is peaceful – at least west of Kyiv.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The Gardens are relatively easy to navigate, but huge and sprawling.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Udmurtia’s main passenger airport, in the city of Izhevsk, and airports in nearby regions suspended operations early Saturday, according to Russia’s civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsiya.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Feb. 2026
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In that way, the end of his main career will allow his side-gig to become his new, full-time job.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Surpassing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surpassing. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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