transcend
verb
tran·scend
tran(t)-ˈsend 
transcended; transcending; transcends
1
a
: to rise above or go beyond the limits of
b
: to triumph over the negative or restrictive aspects of : overcome
c
: to be prior to, beyond, and above (the universe or material existence)
2
: to outstrip or outdo in some attribute, quality, or power
: to rise above or extend notably beyond ordinary limits
Did you know?
When Should You Use transcend?
Great leaders are expected to transcend the limitations of politics, especially during wartime and national crises. A great writer may transcend geographical boundaries to become internationally respected. And certain laws of human nature seem to transcend historical periods and hold true for all times and all places.
Examples of transcend in a Sentence
music that transcends cultural boundaries
She was able to transcend her own suffering and help others.
Her concerns transcended local issues.
Recent Examples on the Web
From the Sports Desk U of L-UK rivalry transcends sport.
—
Ray Padilla, Louisville Courier Journal, 19 Sep. 2025
The style, which was championed by both ancient Egyptian rulers and early 2000s R&B recording artists, has transcended time and culture, cementing itself as a fan-favorite jewelry piece.
—Samantha Solomon, Vogue, 18 Sep. 2025
Fortunately, Home Depot has growth, but not the kind that can transcend the yield on the long end going the wrong way.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
Born from both adventure and practicality, the safari chair has transcended its 18th-century roots.
—Elissa Suh, Architectural Digest, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for transcend
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.
Ray Padilla, Louisville Courier Journal, 19 Sep. 2025
The style, which was championed by both ancient Egyptian rulers and early 2000s R&B recording artists, has transcended time and culture, cementing itself as a fan-favorite jewelry piece.
—Samantha Solomon, Vogue, 18 Sep. 2025
Fortunately, Home Depot has growth, but not the kind that can transcend the yield on the long end going the wrong way.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
Born from both adventure and practicality, the safari chair has transcended its 18th-century roots.
—Elissa Suh, Architectural Digest, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for transcend
Cite this Entry
“Transcend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transcend. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
transcend
verb
tran·scend
tran(t)s-ˈend
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share