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 Health care innovation, when built with heart and commitment, transcends borders and leaves a lasting mark on the lives of people and communities. Nuri Kino, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025 Bellingham is one of several superstar players at Madrid whose celebrity has transcended football. Elias Burke, New York Times, 17 June 2025 The series has long transcended the screen through music, games and even lunchboxes. Jamie Lang, Variety, 12 June 2025 In today's connected world, your reputation may begin in one market, but its value transcends geography. Yerik Aubakirov, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for transcend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transcend
Verb
  • In 2023, Luckin’s revenue in China exceeded what Starbucks made there for the first time, bouncing back from an accounting scandal that got Luckin booted from the Nasdaq in 2020.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 2 July 2025
  • Despite Israel’s qualitatively effective defenses, an underlying quantitative war attrition was at play that threatened to degrade Israel’s position over time: Iranian stocks of MRBM-class missiles likely exceeded the number of anti-MRBM interceptors possessed by Israel (ie. Arrow-2 and 3).
    Sebastien Roblin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Meanwhile, a 2024 forecast by Research and Markets estimates the digital education sector will surpass $80 billion by 2030, driven by microlearning and online skill monetization.
    Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • The market could surpass those previous records on Friday or early next week, analysts told CBS MoneyWatch.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • That contract, and Marner’s new 8x12 deal with the Golden Knights, easily eclipsed Day 1’s biggest mover, Gavrikov.
    Carol Schram, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Throughout most of the campaign, Jacinto ranked highly in all of these categories, eclipsed only by stars such as Mapi Leon, Aitana Bonmati, Claudia Pina and Caroline Graham Hansen of Barcelona.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Brazilian dystopian series 3% is another show that follows people who are struggling financially and enter a competition to better their lives.
    Skyler Trepel, People.com, 30 June 2025
  • Kate Hudson considered being emancipated from her parents, Goldie Hawn and Bill Hudson, to better her Hollywood career.
    Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Transcend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transcend. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on transcend

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