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 In 2022, fellow coffee chain Luckin Coffee surpassed Starbucks in store count; Luckin also became the first coffee brand to reach 10,000 stores in China. — Jay Ganglani, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026 Odysseus and his intrepid crew sailed through Comcast’s latest quarter as Universal surpassed $5 billion at the global box office, led by the The Odyssey, now Universal’s highest-grossing film of all time. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026 The 26-year-old, 6-foot-1, 210-pound tailback is now the fourth-leading rusher in Carolina Panthers franchise history with 4,112 yards, recently surpassing his mentor Christian McCaffrey, who notched 3,980 rushing yards with the Panthers. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2026 In a severe incident, legal costs, settlements, medical expenses or property damage can quickly surpass standard policy limits. — Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for surpass

Recent Examples of Synonyms for surpass

exceed

Verb

The blowout news from SpaceX’s Q3 earnings wasn’t the rocket and AI giant’s outstanding performance that far exceeded even the analysts’ elevated expectations, but Elon Musk’s revelation that SpaceX and Tesla are weighing a merger.

— Shawn Tully, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
The fires that burned above the Rio Ruidoso watershed far exceeded that threshold.

— Abe Streep, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of surpass

verb

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