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 When temperatures surpass 90 to 100 degrees, the surface of asphalt can reach 140 to 170 degrees, according to the City of Charlotte. — Laura Horne july 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026 Seven years after graduating, UC students earned a median income of $86,000 — surpassing other California bachelor’s degree holders, who earned a median income of about $80,900, according to the data. — Molly Gibbs, Mercury News, 3 July 2026 With his 7-6(6), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 win over Russian qualifier Roman Safiullin, the Serbian legend won his 106th career match at Wimbledon, surpassing the great Roger Federer. — Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 With the more than 2,000-acre jump in size, the Aspen Acres fire has surpassed the 2012 High Park fire and sits behind the 2018 Spring Creek fire, which consumed 108,045 acres, according to the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control. — Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for surpass

Recent Examples of Synonyms for surpass

exceed

Verb

And by the 12th year, this number rises to $113,000, exceeding the median salary for graduate degree-holders in the state, according to the data released by the UC’s Institutional Research and Academic Planning department.

— Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
Revenue from golf and resort properties exceeded $500 million in 2025, rising about 15% from the previous year, according to the filing.

— Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 1 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of surpass

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