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

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

Synonym Chooser

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 The year overall is running about 10% ahead of last year, and the summer box office this weekend surpassed $3 billion. — ABC News, 26 July 2026 The cume has already surpassed the lifetimes of Dunkirk, Interstellar, and Tenet. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 26 July 2026 That would be a record number, surpassing the 58 who took part in the 2019 festivities. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 26 July 2026 During the first seven months of 2026, the country recorded 2,318 cases, surpassing the total for all of 2025, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. — Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for surpass

Recent Examples of Synonyms for surpass

exceed

Verb

Along the Adriatic coast, once abundant with mussels, nearly all have died off because of the sea temperatures that at times have exceeded 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026
The first home sale to exceed $100 million in Miami-Dade was Citadel CEO Ken Griffin’s purchase of the Adrienne Arsht Estate in Coconut Grove for $107 million in 2022.

— Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 30 July 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 1 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of surpass

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