Synonym Chooser

How does the verb transcend contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of transcend are exceed, excel, outdo, outstrip, and surpass. While all these words mean "to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree," transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.

transcended the values of their culture

When would exceed be a good substitute for transcend?

While the synonyms exceed and transcend are close in meaning, exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.

exceed the speed limit

In what contexts can excel take the place of transcend?

In some situations, the words excel and transcend are roughly equivalent. However, excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

excels in mathematics

When can outdo be used instead of transcend?

The synonyms outdo and transcend are sometimes interchangeable, but outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

outdid herself this time

Where would outstrip be a reasonable alternative to transcend?

Although the words outstrip and transcend have much in common, outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

When might surpass be a better fit than transcend?

The words surpass and transcend can be used in similar contexts, but surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

the book surpassed our expectations

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 transcend Ken embodied the best of everything the Montreal Canadiens are about, and his legacy within our society transcends our sport. Jesse Granger, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025 Though the event is focused on Korean collectible design, Lee said that — more than ever before — collecting trends and aesthetic tastes transcend borders. Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025 Great artists have transcended this contradiction. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025 But Pettman describes ghosting as an experience that transcends places like Hinge. Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for transcend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transcend
Verb
  • In 2024, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received nearly 860,000 reports of scams, with potential losses exceeding $16 billion.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The tax break phases out for individuals with earnings exceeding $75,000 and for married couples with earnings above $150,000.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Charlotte posted five different drives of eight plays or more, three of which surpassed 60 yards on the drive.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The total of 823 munitions made the attack Russia's largest to date, surpassing the 741 munitions reported by the air force on July 9.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Although Asia is where the totality eclipsed moon will occur highest in the night sky, Europe gets a glimpse of totality shortly after moonrise.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Golden State eclipsed the second-place Indiana Fever – a team that boasts superstar Caitlin Clark – in total attendance by over 48,000 fans.
    Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Over the past two seasons, the Swede has scored 44 goals in the Premier League, a tally bettered only by Salah and Erling Haaland with 47 and 49 respectively.
    Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
  • But since his release, has worked to better the justice system, Johnson said.
    Drake Bentley, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Transcend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transcend. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on transcend

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