as in exterior
an outer part or layer
the surface of just about everything in the kitchen was covered with soot after we put the grease fire out
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to emerge
to come to one's attention especially gradually or unexpectedly
no information regarding the stolen car has surfaced since the police found it abandoned on a country road
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in superficial
lying on or affecting only the outer layer of something
a surface stain on the wood that can easily be removed with a mild detergent
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example 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 surface
Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025
In fact, the major averages appear set to close out the month with gains, with some especially encouraging trading activity beneath the surface as the rally starts to broaden out beyond the megacaps.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2025
Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2025
The accusations against Reina surfaced when a forensic examination of CapRadio, an auxiliary of Sacramento State, was released in August.
—Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 21 Jan. 2025
Susan Shain, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2023
The sub was fitted with six 533-millimeter torpedo tubes and carried a mix of both anti-surface and anti-submarine weapons.
—Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 23 Dec. 2022
See all Example Sentences for surface 
Noun
What will the lunar lander do on the moon's surface?
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025
In fact, the major averages appear set to close out the month with gains, with some especially encouraging trading activity beneath the surface as the rally starts to broaden out beyond the megacaps.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
Just before the start of Tuesday night’s matchup between the Miami Heat and Portland Trail Blazers at Kaseya Center, news surfaced that indicated the Phoenix Suns are stocking up for a potential Butler trade.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2025
The accusations against Reina surfaced when a forensic examination of CapRadio, an auxiliary of Sacramento State, was released in August.
—Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
In it were tablets containing concentrated hand soap as well as multi-surface, glass and bathroom cleaners — and four empty containers.
—Susan Shain, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2023
The sub was fitted with six 533-millimeter torpedo tubes and carried a mix of both anti-surface and anti-submarine weapons.
—Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 23 Dec. 2022
See all Example Sentences for surface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surface
Noun
-
Lee’s role as the female lead’s bodyguard catapulted him to national heartthrob status; his popularity was so great that fans would regularly leave messages all over the exterior of his apartment, and traffic would be stalled across four lanes ahead of one of his fan meetings.—
Regina Kim,
Forbes,
20 Jan. 2025
-
Plates of aluminum will be added to the exterior of the frame to protect the telescope from the extreme environment of the Atacama desert, including variable temperatures, according to a statement from the observatory.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
19 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Incoming first lady Melania Trump emerged on Monday, Jan. 20, in an unusual inaugural outfit, covering part of her face with a wide-brimmed hat.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
20 Jan. 2025
-
Meanwhile, footage has emerged on social media of migrants in tears after learning of the news the app had been shut down.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
20 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Finding the perfect rose to become Martha’s namesake was difficult according to Hahn, who visited various fields and looked at dozens of contenders.—
Jessica Jordan,
CNN,
23 Jan. 2025
-
About 5% of males have complete ED at age 40, and this percentage rises to 30-40% in males 80 or older.2 Given this prevalence and the effect ED can have on quality of life, proper diagnosis is critical.—
Mark Gurarie,
Health,
23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The Neuralink procedure, on the other hand, occurs on the superficial, surface- area of the brain and requires a relatively small incision.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
27 Jan. 2025
-
The case retains a brilliant warmth with only superficial marks throughout.—
Blake Buettner,
Robb Report,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
During their brief appearance, broadcast live on Israeli television, some of the hostages smiled and waved, raising their arms and giving thumbs up signs in front of the crowd.—
Willem Marx,
NPR,
25 Jan. 2025
-
Sitting in front of local leaders, Trump again wrongly blamed elements of the fire disaster on a lack of water resources coming from the Delta and environmental protections for the delta smelt, a small fish near extinction that has become a symbol of GOP frustration.—
Ari Plachta,
Sacramento Bee,
25 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The current version of FSD requires a person to be in the driver’s seat, ready to take control of the car should a problem arise.—
Chris Isidore,
CNN,
28 Jan. 2025
-
Try to estimate a potential liability amount that might arise against you.—
Bob Carlson,
Forbes,
27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
But when the body’s fight-or-flight survival response doesn’t let up, temporary changes such as muscle tension, shallow breathing, rapid heartbeat and edginess can give way to headaches, trouble sleeping, irritability, and the debilitating paralysis symptomatic of chronic anxiety or depression.—
Sara Sidner,
CNN,
19 Jan. 2025
-
Today, the ruins of Serendipity are a magnet for travel photos wedged into a shallow reef beside Richard Williams’ restaurant, The Last Bar Before the Jungle.—
Joe Sills,
Forbes,
19 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The airport has been seen a few times throughout the series thus far and appears to be the Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport, which is located in north Fort Worth.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 Jan. 2025
-
Trump's decision to exit Afghanistan was finalized in February 2020 as ISIS' global power appeared to be waning.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
19 Jan. 2025
Articles Related to surface
Thesaurus Entries Near surface
Cite this Entry
“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share