A(n) is a situation in which it is possible to do something that eclipses expectations.

transitive verb

1

: to become better, greater, or stronger than : exceed

surpassed her rivals

surpassed all expectations

3

: to transcend the reach, capacity, or powers of

a beauty that surpasses description

A(n) is a situation in which it is possible to do something that eclipses expectations.

Synonyms

Choose the Right Synonym for surpass

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.

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

outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

Example Sentences

Attendance is expected to surpass last year's record. Last quarter, sales surpassed two million. His work regularly surpasses all expectations.

Recent Examples on the Web The city is on track to surpass the record-setting 92 homicides of 2021. oregonlive, 27 Oct. 2022 But for birds, this year’s avian flu outbreak is on track to surpass the outbreak in 2015, when 50.5 million birds died in what was then the nation’s worst animal-health event. Erica Werner And Laura Reiley, Anchorage Daily News, 26 Oct. 2022 But for birds, this year’s avian flu outbreak is on track to surpass the outbreak in 2015, when 50.5 million birds died in what was then the nation’s worst animal-health event. Erica Werner And Laura Reiley, BostonGlobe.com, 26 Oct. 2022 But for birds, this year’s avian flu outbreak is on track to surpass the outbreak in 2015, when 50.5 million birds died in what was then the nation’s worst animal-health event. Laura Reiley, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2022 Coach awards tend to go to those leading teams that surpass expectations, which leaves those leading the consistently excellent programs often unrecognized. Ralph D. Russo, Chicago Tribune, 19 Oct. 2022 And to become the world's largest oil producer at the time, Texas would have needed to do more than surpass Saudi Arabia. Chris Mueller, USA TODAY, 15 Oct. 2022 The central-kitchen system has been an impediment to taste, despite quality ingredients and menus that meet or surpass federal guidelines. Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2022 The rebound in demand, which saw Inditex’s sales surpass prepandemic levels after Covid-19 severely affected its business in 2020 and 2021, came despite ongoing supply-chain snags and surging inflation that have vexed the broader retail industry. Trefor Moss, WSJ, 8 June 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'surpass.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Middle French surpasser, from sur- + passer to pass

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of surpass was in 1555

Dictionary Entries Near surpass

Cite this Entry

“Surpass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surpass. Accessed 4 Nov. 2022.

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Last Updated: 1 Nov 2022

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