Synonyms of transcend

transcend

verb

tran(t)-ˈsend 

1

as in to exceed

to be greater, better, or stronger than

a man whose practical knowledge of botany transcends that of his more educated colleagues

Synonyms & Similar Words

• exceed
• surpass
• eclipse
• better
• top
• excel
• outstrip
• outdo
• outshine
• overcome
• beat
• outdistance
• overtop
• outclass
• master
• outmatch
• overshadow
• tower (over)
• defeat
• outpace
• run rings around
• surmount
• outrun
• outweigh
• outgun
• conquer
• go one better
• run circles around
• best
• outperform
• subdue
• one-up
• prevail (over)
• worst
• win (against)
• trump
• triumph (over)
• shame
• lick
• outcompete
• outrace
• crush
• clobber
• rout
• trounce
• thrash
• trim
• whip
• overpass
• overmatch
• overbear
• outbalance
• drub
• wallop
• skunk

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lose (to)

2

as in to surpass

to go beyond the limit of

a person who believes that any true understanding of God transcends human intelligence

Synonyms & Similar Words

• exceed
• surpass
• outrun
• overstep
• overrun
• overreach
• outreach
• overshoot
• break
• invade
• encroach
• entrench
• trespass
• infringe
• overpass
• overdo
• intrench
• overuse
• overwork
• overutilize

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

Recent Examples of transcend

The style, which was championed by both ancient Egyptian rulers and early 2000s R&B recording artists, has transcended time and culture, cementing itself as a fan-favorite jewelry piece. —Samantha Solomon, Vogue, 18 Sep. 2025

Fortunately, Home Depot has growth, but not the kind that can transcend the yield on the long end going the wrong way. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025

Born from both adventure and practicality, the safari chair has transcended its 18th-century roots. —Elissa Suh, Architectural Digest, 17 Sep. 2025

But in 2022, after the first season debuted, the series transcended into the mainstream. —Saba Hamedy, NBC news, 17 Sep. 2025