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
The Role Of The CFO In the U.S. franchise business model, the CFO’s role transcends traditional financial management.
—
David Earl, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
The story transcends beyond its cultural attachment to Zambia.
—Elissa Suh, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
John Cena’s heel turn at WWE’s Elimination Chamber transcended the world of sports entertainment.
—Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 6 Mar. 2025
The threat of a private company accessing government data transcends individual privacy concerns.
—Allison Stanger, The Conversation, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for transcend
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David Earl, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
The story transcends beyond its cultural attachment to Zambia.
—Elissa Suh, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
John Cena’s heel turn at WWE’s Elimination Chamber transcended the world of sports entertainment.
—Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 6 Mar. 2025
The threat of a private company accessing government data transcends individual privacy concerns.
—Allison Stanger, The Conversation, 6 Mar. 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 12 Mar. 2025.
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transcend
verb
tran·scend
tran(t)s-ˈend
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