SURPASS Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'surpass' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of surpass are exceed , excel , outdo , outstrip , and transcend . While all these words mean "to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree," surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill. // the book surpassed our expectations

Q: When might 'exceed' be a better fit than 'surpass'?

Although the words exceed and surpass have much in common, exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement. // exceed the speed limit

Q: Where would 'excel' be a reasonable alternative to 'surpass'?

The meanings of excel and surpass largely overlap; however, excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others. // excels in mathematics

Q: In what contexts can 'outdo' take the place of 'surpass'?

The words outdo and surpass can be used in similar contexts, but outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before. // outdid herself this time

Q: When is it sensible to use 'outstrip' instead of 'surpass'?

While in some cases nearly identical to surpass , outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition. // outstripped other firms in sales

Q: When can 'transcend' be used instead of 'surpass'?

While the synonyms transcend and surpass are close in meaning, transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits. // transcended the values of their culture

surpass

verb

sər-ˈpas

Definition of surpass next

as in to exceed

to be greater, better, or stronger than she always tried to surpass her older brother at anything he did

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lose (to)

as in to transcend

to go beyond the limit of the sales of the band's newest CD have surpassed the combined sales of its last two albums

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb surpass contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of surpass are exceed, excel, outdo, outstrip, and transcend. While all these words mean "to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree," surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

the book surpassed our expectations

When might exceed be a better fit than surpass?

Although the words exceed and surpass have much in common, exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.

exceed the speed limit

Where would excel be a reasonable alternative to surpass?

The meanings of excel and surpass largely overlap; however, excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

excels in mathematics

In what contexts can outdo take the place of surpass?

The words outdo and surpass can be used in similar contexts, but outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

outdid herself this time

When is it sensible to use outstrip instead of surpass?

While in some cases nearly identical to surpass, outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

When can transcend be used instead of surpass?

While the synonyms transcend and surpass are close in meaning, transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.

transcended the values of their culture

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 surpass Trump claimed the secretive shipments were why oil prices had fallen below $90 a barrel, after surpassing $110 at the start of April. —

ABC News, 10 June 2026 In one example of work that earned the compensation bump for Q1, the finance team automated a major part of invoice processing, surpassing the original goal to automate 36% of the process and ultimately reached up to 85% automation. —

Sage Lazzaro, Fortune, 9 June 2026 Saronic’s website describes the Corsair as being capable of carrying up to 1,000 pounds over 1,000 nautical miles, with a top speed surpassing 34 knots. —

Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 9 June 2026 Ally’s debut single, How To Love, featuring Korean rapper Gray, topped Apple Music Thailand, iTunes, and Spotify Thailand charts, with the music video surpassing 40 million views on YouTube. —

Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for surpass

Recent Examples of Synonyms for surpass

exceed

Verb

Those bags must not exceed 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches (30 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm).

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 14 June 2026
Authorities said a trooper was patrolling northbound when a Honda Civic passed the patrol vehicle at speeds exceeding 90 mph.

— Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026

Definition of exceed

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surnaming

surpass

surpassed

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“Surpass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surpass. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.

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Synonyms of surpass

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