exceed

verb

ex·​ceed ik-ˈsēd How to pronounce exceed (audio)
exceeded; exceeding; exceeds
Synonyms of exceed

transitive verb

1
: to be greater than or superior to
2
: to go beyond a limit set by
exceeded his authority
3
: to extend outside of
The river will exceed its banks by morning.

intransitive verb

1
: predominate
2
obsolete : overdo

Synonyms of exceed

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exceed, surpass, transcend, excel, outdo, outstrip mean to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree.

exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.

exceed the speed limit

surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

the book surpassed our expectations

transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.

transcended the values of their culture

excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

excels in mathematics

outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

outdid herself this time

outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

Examples of exceed in a Sentence

The cost must not exceed 10 dollars. The cost exceeded our estimate. The demand for new housing has already exceeded the supply. He's trying to match or exceed last year's sales.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
While award travel inflation is always a factor, many of these bonuses match or exceed all-time best deals for that card. — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 6 July 2026 But doing so can result in larger repair bills down the road that, in some cases, could exceed the value of older cars. — Keith Laing, USA Today, 8 July 2026 It was subsequently determined that his Hikeep K6-G exceeds the speeds and power output of a true e-bike. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026 The National Weather Service warns that feels-like temperatures could exceed 105 for at least two hours. — Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for exceed

Word History

Etymology

Middle English exceden, from Middle French exceder, from Latin excedere, from ex- + cedere to go

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of exceed was in the 14th century

Rhymes for exceed

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Browse Nearby Words

excecate
exceed
exceedable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exceed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exceed. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

exceed

verb
ex·​ceed ik-ˈsēd How to pronounce exceed (audio)
1
: to be greater than
the cost must not exceed ten dollars
2
: to go or be beyond the limit

More from Merriam-Webster on exceed

Nglish: Translation of exceed for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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