exceed

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb exceed contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of exceed are excel, outdo, outstrip, surpass, and transcend. While all these words 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

When would excel be a good substitute for exceed?

Although the words excel and exceed have much in common, excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

excels in mathematics

When is it sensible to use outdo instead of exceed?

The words outdo and exceed are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

outdid herself this time

Where would outstrip be a reasonable alternative to exceed?

The synonyms outstrip and exceed are sometimes interchangeable, but outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

When could surpass be used to replace exceed?

In some situations, the words surpass and exceed are roughly equivalent. However, surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

the book surpassed our expectations

When is transcend a more appropriate choice than exceed?

While the synonyms transcend and exceed 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 exceed During each launch, the rocket reaches initial speeds exceeding 2,000 mph – much faster than the speed of sound – before the booster separates within a few minutes of takeoff. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 12 Apr. 2025 Putting a goals cap in place lengthens the odds in the bettor’s favour, and only one of Leicester’s last six games has exceeded this mark. Sam Tighe, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 His defensive understanding has exceeded initial expectations, as has his proficiency at left-back. Chris Waugh, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 In 2024, the cost of entitlements plus interest exceeded federal receipts before paying for anything else, such as defense, highways or parks. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exceed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exceed
Verb
  • In the last year, Church & Dwight’s revenue growth surpassed its outlook and, according to sources, outperformed its competitors.
    Seth Matlins, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • His incredible durability and ability led him to become the NBA’s all-time scorer on February 7, 2023, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who held the record for 39 years.
    Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Tucked away after a swarm of students asked him tons of questions on his career to better their own, Chavarria, a CFDA Award-winning designer, reflected on his childhood, which is where his love of fashion was born.
    Essence, Essence, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Only one team in Europe’s top four leagues, Bilbao’s Athletic Club (six), can better them.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Woven leather handles top both Fattal and Michikawa’s teapots, while Chipperfield opted for a copper handle for its glazed cobalt blue design.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 7 Apr. 2025
  • This casserole is extra creamy and topped with cheesy homemade biscuits.
    Emma Phelps, Southern Living, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Queen needs just two more points to pass Trimble’s 568 in 2015 for second in that department and five more rebounds to eclipse Smith’s 322 for second in that category.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Jakob’s career then eclipsed those of his older brothers, with Filip and particularly Henrik now his de facto coaches.
    Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Exceed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exceed. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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