SURPASS Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'surpass' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of surpass are exceed , excel , outdo , outstrip , and transcend . While all these words mean "to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree," surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill. // the book surpassed our expectations

Q: When might 'exceed' be a better fit than 'surpass'?

Although the words exceed and surpass have much in common, exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement. // exceed the speed limit

Q: Where would 'excel' be a reasonable alternative to 'surpass'?

The meanings of excel and surpass largely overlap; however, excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others. // excels in mathematics

Q: In what contexts can 'outdo' take the place of 'surpass'?

The words outdo and surpass can be used in similar contexts, but outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before. // outdid herself this time

Q: When is it sensible to use 'outstrip' instead of 'surpass'?

While in some cases nearly identical to surpass , outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition. // outstripped other firms in sales

Q: When can 'transcend' be used instead of 'surpass'?

While the synonyms transcend and surpass are close in meaning, transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits. // transcended the values of their culture

surpass

verb

sər-ˈpas

Definition of surpass next

as in to exceed

to be greater, better, or stronger than she always tried to surpass her older brother at anything he did

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lose (to)

as in to transcend

to go beyond the limit of the sales of the band's newest CD have surpassed the combined sales of its last two albums

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb surpass contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of surpass are exceed, excel, outdo, outstrip, and transcend. While all these words mean "to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree," surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

the book surpassed our expectations

When might exceed be a better fit than surpass?

Although the words exceed and surpass have much in common, exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.

exceed the speed limit

Where would excel be a reasonable alternative to surpass?

The meanings of excel and surpass largely overlap; however, excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

excels in mathematics

In what contexts can outdo take the place of surpass?

The words outdo and surpass can be used in similar contexts, but outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

outdid herself this time

When is it sensible to use outstrip instead of surpass?

While in some cases nearly identical to surpass, outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

When can transcend be used instead of surpass?

While the synonyms transcend and surpass are close in meaning, transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.

transcended the values of their culture

Examples 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 surpass That surpassed the earnings per share of $1.13 and $3.38 billion in revenue expected by analysts polled by FactSet. —

Hakyung Kim, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2024 Trump’s encouragement has paid off, with Republican early votes even surpassing those of Democrats in several swing states, such as Nevada. —

Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Nov. 2024 Although inclement weather may impact voter turnout in the battlegrounds, states including North Carolina and Georgia have already reported surpassing early voting records. —

Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 4 Nov. 2024 In 2022, the country was surpassed by India as the world’s most populous nation. —

Nectar Gan, CNN, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for surpass