surpass

verb

sur·pass sər-ˈpas

surpassed; surpassing; surpasses

Synonyms of surpass next

transitive verb

: to become better, greater, or stronger than : exceed

surpassed her rivals

surpassed all expectations

: to go beyond : overstep

: to transcend the reach, capacity, or powers of

a beauty that surpasses description

surpassable

sər-ˈpa-sə-bəl

adjective

Choose the Right Synonym for surpass

exceed, surpass, transcend, excel, outdo, outstrip mean to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree.

exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.

exceed the speed limit

surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

the book surpassed our expectations

transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.

transcended the values of their culture

excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

excels in mathematics

outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

outdid herself this time

outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

Examples of surpass in a Sentence

Attendance is expected to surpass last year's record. Last quarter, sales surpassed two million. His work regularly surpasses all expectations.

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

For the first time in the 22-year history of Randstad's annual review of the world of work, surpassed pay (79 percent) as a key motivator for employees. —

Aliss Higham, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025 All kidding aside, the Wild have surpassed the expectations of many, including The Athletic staff. —

Michael Russo, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025 Seagate Technology — Shares gained 1% after Seagate Technology surpassed second-quarter expectations, with adjusted earnings of $2.03 per share on revenues of $2.33 billion. —

Sarah Min, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2025 Upon making his debut with the club at the age of 16, Barkov surpassed a league record by becoming the youngest player to score a point. —

Greg Carannante, Sun Sentinel, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for surpass