surface 1 of 3

Definition of surfacenext
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

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surface

2 of 3

verb

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

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2
as in to rise
to penetrate the surface (as of water) from below a submarine surfaced on the starboard side of the aircraft carrier

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surface

3 of 3

adjective

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

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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
Noun
Beatbot Sora 70 Robotic Pool Cleaner Deal The most impressive model that Beatbot has on offer during their sale is the Sora 70, an integrated unit that has cleaning systems for floor, walls, waterline, and surface, leaving no part of your pool untouched. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 19 May 2026 The vessel appeared equipped with both offensive strike weapons and short-range defensive interceptors, a setup rarely seen on smaller unmanned surface craft. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 May 2026
Verb
However, more information has surfaced that proves that theory unlikely, according to health officials. ABC News, 12 May 2026 However gimmicky or commercial that might seem, bread has surfaced in fashion and art in other unexpected ways through the years. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 12 May 2026
Adjective
Mura’s research team suggests that the sub-surface and mantle of Io may be like a sponge, in the sense that it is filled with pores filled with magma. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 29 Jan. 2026 The proposal includes a tennis center with multi-surface courts, hotels, water polo facilities, retail, a wellness center and stadium to host soccer matches. Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for surface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surface
Noun
  • Bastrop County detectives found evidence that Aviles had been dragged, strangled and assaulted, noting mud on her clothing and feet, bruising on her neck, chin and lip, and blood on her face and the exterior of her car.
    Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026
  • Standing adjacent to the Orion capsule, the Blue Moon crew cabin and exterior resemble the design of the lander's Mark 2 variant, which will eventually land Artemis astronauts on the moon, if all goes according to plan.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • For a while, SDFC had been emerging from its funk.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • The architecture is fascinating, with gods carved into the design, including a waterfall emerging from Narcissus’ mouth.
    Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • As tensions rise between the United States and China over trade, technology, Taiwan and military influence, the relationship between the world’s two largest economies is increasingly shaping global politics and national security debates.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 15 May 2026
  • The national debt has surpassed the GDP, Social Security and Medicare face looming financial crises, inflation is rising, families are struggling — and yet Congress does nothing.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Romano’s sturdy book may not stint on examples of Mary’s bad behavior—including a ferociously jealous verbal assault, near the end of the war, on the wife of a prominent Union general—but the biographer keeps tilting against those who slighted Mary in even the most superficial ways.
    Thomas Mallon, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • Then, let the paste sit for a few minutes before scrubbing away with a clean cloth to reveal like-new furniture with no superficial scratches.
    Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • The comfortable seating area in the living room includes couches and armchairs set in front of the TV and fireplace for relaxing after a day on the slopes, and a dining table provides a nice spot to relax and eat.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
  • Right fielder Jarred Kelenic delivered a tiebreaking two-run double in the fifth inning, and shortstop Colson Montgomery added a solo home run in the seventh to help the Sox to a 6-5 victory against the Kansas City Royals in front of 11,905 on Wednesday at Rate Field.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Making changes There’s no telling how long the love affair with GLP-1 medications will last, no knowing if long-term side effects could arise or if a new weight loss method will appear that’s more affordable.
    Connie Ogle May 14, Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
  • The first-year Wings coach also didn’t offer any specifics on the injury, but told reporters that no concerns regarding the knee arose during the predraft evaluation process.
    Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • The submarines are said to be designed for shallow waters like the Strait of Hormuz and can operate quietly for limited periods on battery power.
    Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
  • Bichette dropped a flare into shallow center field out of the reach of converging defenders, allowing Torrens to score the tying run, and Benge to go to first.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • The bottoms don’t just feel more elegant, but are a quick way to make outfits appear upscale whether they’re styled with a T-shirt and sneakers or a button-up shirt and ballet flats.
    Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
  • His stories about travel, food, culture, and sustainability have appeared in publications such as Travel + Leisure, AFAR, Food & Wine, The Economist, Men’s Journal, Newsweek, Bloomberg, CNN, and the BBC, among others.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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