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 And bathing in its myriad forms has always been a way of reveling in these absurdities — and as a way of transcending them. Courtney Wittich, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025 Its appeal to audiences — and, in turn, advertisers — now transcends individual programs. Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2025 To an extent, there’s an innate quality that transcends experience or lack thereof, as Adelman sees it. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 10 May 2025 Through deeply human storytelling, the series transcends its historical setting to explore universal themes of violence, trauma, idealism, and the moral ambiguities of political conflict. Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for transcend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transcend
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
Verb
  • Related Articles The country surpassed its ambitious visitor target for 2030, seven years ahead of schedule, coinciding with Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a global arts and culture destination.
    Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 21 May 2025
  • Students’ possession of drugs in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools last school year surpassed even the 10-year high reached in 2022-23, according to state data released earlier this year.
    Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Strategy’s stock eclipsed most of the S&P 500 with a 2024 return of more than 320%.
    Korok Ray, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • For a little more than a month, the 145% tariff Trump placed on imports from China vastly eclipsed tariffs on other nations’ imports.
    Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Rose has been one of the best putters in major championships in recent years: since the beginning of 2023, his average of 0.90 strokes gained putting per round is only bettered by Harris English (1.02).
    Justin Ray, New York Times, 14 May 2025
  • With this acquisition, Richer Poorer will now be folded into Andie’s high-performing e-commerce operations, enabling the brand to better leverage data to drive customer acquisition, optimize inventory and accelerate growth.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on transcend

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