surmount
verb
sur·mount
sər-ˈmau̇nt 
surmounted; surmounting; surmounts
1
: to prevail over : overcome
surmount an obstacle
2
: to get to the top of : climb
3
: to stand or lie at the top of
4
obsolete
: to surpass in quality or attainment : excel
Did you know?
Our verb mount, meaning "ascend, get up onto", comes from the same Latin root as mountain, and we keep those images in mind when using surmount, since climbing up or over a mountain is a symbol of achievement. The word almost always refers to human effort, and almost always in a positive way; thus, we speak of surmounting difficulties, surmounting problems, surmounting hurdles, surmounting handicaps—you get the idea.
Examples of surmount in a Sentence
an Olympic swimmer who surmounted endless obstacles to achieve her goals
Recent Examples on the Web
Advertisement Still, Netanyahu has surmounted obstacles few thought possible on Oct. 8, 2023.
—
Eric Cortellessa, Time, 8 July 2025
These individuals not only surmount formidable challenges but also lead fulfilling, productive lives, serving as profound inspirations to all, including their surgeons.
—Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
To match its maritime origins, it was incised with designs of cavorting Tritons and surmounted with a silver Neptune riding a hippocampus—a lot of gaudy ornament around a big brown husk.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 26 June 2025
Yet his portrayal of the character surmounts all of that.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for surmount
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Eric Cortellessa, Time, 8 July 2025
These individuals not only surmount formidable challenges but also lead fulfilling, productive lives, serving as profound inspirations to all, including their surgeons.
—Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
To match its maritime origins, it was incised with designs of cavorting Tritons and surmounted with a silver Neptune riding a hippocampus—a lot of gaudy ornament around a big brown husk.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 26 June 2025
Yet his portrayal of the character surmounts all of that.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for surmount
Cite this Entry
“Surmount.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surmount. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
surmount
verb
sur·mount
sər-ˈmau̇nt
1
: overcome sense 1
surmount an obstacle
2
: to get to the top of : climb
3
: to stand or lie at the top of : crown
a weather vane surmounts the roof
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