TRANSCEND Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of transcend are exceed , excel , outdo , outstrip , and surpass . While all these words mean "to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree," transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits. // transcended the values of their culture

Q: When would 'exceed' be a good substitute for 'transcend'?

While the synonyms exceed and transcend are close in meaning, exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement. // exceed the speed limit

Q: In what contexts can 'excel' take the place of 'transcend'?

In some situations, the words excel and transcend are roughly equivalent. However, excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others. // excels in mathematics

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

The synonyms outdo and transcend are sometimes interchangeable, but outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before. // outdid herself this time

Q: Where would 'outstrip' be a reasonable alternative to 'transcend'?

Although the words outstrip and transcend have much in common, outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition. // outstripped other firms in sales

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

The words surpass and transcend can be used in similar contexts, but surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill. // the book surpassed our expectations

transcend

verb

tran(t)-ˈsend

Definition of transcend next

as in to exceed

to be greater, better, or stronger than a man whose practical knowledge of botany transcends that of his more educated colleagues

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lose (to)

as in to surpass

to go beyond the limit of a person who believes that any true understanding of God transcends human intelligence

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb transcend contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of transcend are exceed, excel, outdo, outstrip, and surpass. While all these words mean "to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree," transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.

transcended the values of their culture

When would exceed be a good substitute for transcend?

While the synonyms exceed and transcend are close in meaning, exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.

exceed the speed limit

In what contexts can excel take the place of transcend?

In some situations, the words excel and transcend are roughly equivalent. However, excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

excels in mathematics

When can outdo be used instead of transcend?

The synonyms outdo and transcend are sometimes interchangeable, but outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

outdid herself this time

Where would outstrip be a reasonable alternative to transcend?

Although the words outstrip and transcend have much in common, outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

When might surpass be a better fit than transcend?

The words surpass and transcend can be used in similar contexts, but surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

the book surpassed our expectations

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 transcend Since then design pillars have been experimenting with new ways to draw international collectors that transcend traditional paradigms. —

Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 28 Jan. 2026 This is the rare Bond movie that transcended its place within the franchise and became a modern classic in its own right. —

Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Jan. 2026 While Perry has matched Clark’s numbers, Clark’s value transcends the box score. —

Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 27 Jan. 2026 In the highly successful series Heated Rivalry, Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie play two professional ice hockey players whose love transcends the boundaries of sports competition. —

Anna Zucca, Vanity Fair, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for transcend

Recent Examples of Synonyms for transcend

Verb

FactSet data shows that 76% of the companies that have already posted earnings have exceeded estimates.

— Fred Imbert, CNBC, 25 Jan. 2026
Snow totals exceeded 6 inches along the Red River, with isolated amounts of 9 to 11 inches reported in Cooke and Grayson counties, among the highest accumulations seen in North Texas in recent years.

— Sergio Candido, CBS News, 25 Jan. 2026

Definition of exceed

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transacts

transcend

transcended

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“Transcend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transcend. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 31 Jan 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of transcend

verb

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