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
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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
Chan describes the expressionless, genderless faces as symbols transcending the boundaries of space and time while transforming conflict into enlightenment.
—
Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
The Beloved, his first film in Competition at Cannes, is an incredible achievement that builds on all those films and leaves them standing in the dust, hitting all the same tense throat-clenching beats but somehow transcending genre altogether.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 May 2026
Using large-format Polaroid film and primarily shooting in his Paris studio, Roversi’s dream-like and imaginative compositions have been able to transcend time.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 15 May 2026
The chaos that ensued has seen a clash of play styles, with some players trying to transcend their normal strategies and others falling victim to the same mistakes that have hindered their past quests for victory.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for transcend
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Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
The Beloved, his first film in Competition at Cannes, is an incredible achievement that builds on all those films and leaves them standing in the dust, hitting all the same tense throat-clenching beats but somehow transcending genre altogether.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 May 2026
Using large-format Polaroid film and primarily shooting in his Paris studio, Roversi’s dream-like and imaginative compositions have been able to transcend time.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 15 May 2026
The chaos that ensued has seen a clash of play styles, with some players trying to transcend their normal strategies and others falling victim to the same mistakes that have hindered their past quests for victory.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for transcend
Cite this Entry
“Transcend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transcend. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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transcend
verb
tran·scend
tran(t)s-ˈend
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