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 This issue transcends gender and age. Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025 Adaptive climbing programs are growing nationwide, proving that the sport’s fundamental appeal—problem-solving through movement—transcends physical limitation. Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 9 Sep. 2025 But Pettman describes ghosting as an experience that transcends places like Hinge. Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2025 An unexpected connection that transcends class develops between them, one rooted in mutual respect, understanding, and slow-burning affection. EW.com, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for transcend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transcend
Verb
  • Buoyed by those gains, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite secured new closing highs, with the former exceeding the 6,600 level for the first time.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Open sources estimate that in 2022, UralVagonZavod produced some 60-70 T-90M tanks; by 2023, that may have risen to 140-180; and for 2024, output is estimated to have exceeded 200 units annually.
    Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Employee health costs are likely to surpass $5,000 next year as companies see their biggest cost increases in at least five years, according to projections from Aon.
    Bruce Japsen, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • During their 27-18 victory over the Commanders at Lambeau Field, however, the Packers surpassed Parsons’ best-case scenario.
    Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The ascendant crypto sector is eclipsing what was once a powerhouse industry.
    Rachel Witkowski, semafor.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The final number eclipsed his own previous high of 18.
    Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Postecoglou, the former Tottenham Hotspur and Celtic manager, saw his side bettered by an Arsenal team that will surely be among the Premier League title contenders, thanks to two goals from Martin Zubimendi and another from Viktor Gyokeres.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The new Siri will be able to better fulfill queries by tapping into the open web, on-screen content and a user’s data.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Transcend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transcend. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on transcend

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