TRANSCEND Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

transcend

verb

tran(t)-ˈsend

Definition of transcend next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lose (to)

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

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

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 transcend The dairy product has had a niche following that transcends partisanship for decades. —

Natalie Daher, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024 And that can ease the terror of mortality by connecting people to an enduring and comforting web of ideas and beliefs that transcend one’s own existence. —

Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024 For the count of conspiring to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries, the DOJ said Abdullah could spend the rest of his life in prison. —

Tara Suter, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024 On Monday, he was further convicted on counts of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, conspiring to commit aircraft piracy, conspiring to destroy aircraft and conspiring to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries. —

Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for transcend

Recent Examples of Synonyms for transcend

Verb

But the negative stock move is likely a result of the high-growth company forecasting just 7% quarter-over-quarter sales growth in the current period, which, though expected by experts, would be the slimmest expansion in two years and fell short of exceeding the most bullish expectations.

Derek Saul, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Data released by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction on Tuesday showed that 84% of Wisconsin public schools met, exceeded or significantly exceeded expectations for the 2023-24 school year.

Alec Johnson, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024