transcend
verb
tran·scend
tran(t)-ˈsend 
transcended; transcending; transcends
1
a
: to rise above or go beyond the limits of
b
: to triumph over the negative or restrictive aspects of : overcome
c
: to be prior to, beyond, and above (the universe or material existence)
2
: to outstrip or outdo in some attribute, quality, or power
: to rise above or extend notably beyond ordinary limits
Did you know?
When Should You Use transcend?
Great leaders are expected to transcend the limitations of politics, especially during wartime and national crises. A great writer may transcend geographical boundaries to become internationally respected. And certain laws of human nature seem to transcend historical periods and hold true for all times and all places.
Synonyms
Examples of transcend in a Sentence
music that transcends cultural boundaries
She was able to transcend her own suffering and help others.
Her concerns transcended local issues.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Pencil Skirt Clean-lined, pencil skirts have officially transcended the confines of the cubicle, thanks to designers like Saint Laurent, Toteme, and Tory Burch who put forward polished designs with street style appeal.
—
Laura Jackson, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2024
But neither its staging nor its performances transcend the limitations of Adrian Speckert and Cory Todd Hughes’ script, leaving mediocre material unredeemed by any special thrills, style, or character detailing.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 22 Nov. 2024
By blending accessibility, multi-sensory design, playfulness, distinctiveness, and authenticity, this partnership transcends timeless art deco elegance, high-end design and carves out a bold new path.
—Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
With this pair of albums, MIYAVI has nimbly transcended his past public image, boldly exploring new territory.
—Billboard Japan, Billboard, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for transcend 
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.
Laura Jackson, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2024
But neither its staging nor its performances transcend the limitations of Adrian Speckert and Cory Todd Hughes’ script, leaving mediocre material unredeemed by any special thrills, style, or character detailing.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 22 Nov. 2024
By blending accessibility, multi-sensory design, playfulness, distinctiveness, and authenticity, this partnership transcends timeless art deco elegance, high-end design and carves out a bold new path.
—Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
With this pair of albums, MIYAVI has nimbly transcended his past public image, boldly exploring new territory.
—Billboard Japan, Billboard, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for transcend
Dictionary Entries Near transcend
Cite this Entry
“Transcend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transcend. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
transcend
verb
tran·scend
tran(t)s-ˈend
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share