surpass

verb

sur·​pass sər-ˈpas 

surpassed; surpassing; surpasses

transitive verb

1

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

surpassed her rivals

surpassed all expectations

2

: to go beyond : overstep

3

: to transcend the reach, capacity, or powers of

a beauty that surpasses description

surpassable

sər-ˈpa-sə-bəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• beat
• better
• eclipse
• exceed
• excel
• outclass
• outdistance
• outdo
• outgun
• outmatch
• outshine
• outstrip
• overtop
• top
• tower (over)
• transcend

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

Since launch, Erica has surpassed over 2 billion interactions, and has helped 42 million clients, tackling tasks like balance inquiries, budgeting tips, and even bill payments. —Sandy Carter, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

An online fundraiser created to help Luigi Mangione with his legal fees has surpassed $10,000. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

Kelce led the Chiefs again Sunday night with 45 yards on five receptions, surpassing 12,000 career receiving yards and becoming the fastest tight end in NFL history to do so. —Sean Neumann, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024

The 12-time All-Star has now recorded the second-most assists in league history, surpassing Jason Kidd and sitting behind only John Stockton on the all-time list. —Alex Andrejev, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French surpasser, from sur- + passer to pass

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

surpass

verb

sur·​pass sər-ˈpas 

1

: to be greater, better, or stronger than

2

: to go beyond the reach, powers, or capacity of

surpassable

-ə-bəl 

adjective