as in exterior
an outer part or layer
the surface of just about everything in the kitchen was covered with soot after we put the grease fire out
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to emerge
to come to one's attention especially gradually or unexpectedly
no information regarding the stolen car has surfaced since the police found it abandoned on a country road
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in superficial
lying on or affecting only the outer layer of something
a surface stain on the wood that can easily be removed with a mild detergent
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of surface
Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025
Pastorino said collaborators opted to place the carnival rides (like last year) on hard parking lot surfaces (to avoid soggy lawn conditions).
—Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2025
Angel Saunders, People.com, 22 July 2025
For example, Khanna recommends starting small—like practicing deep, slow breathing when anxious feelings (and the instinct to people-please or withdraw) begin to surface.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 21 July 2025
Alida Nugent, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2023
In it were tablets containing concentrated hand soap as well as multi-surface, glass and bathroom cleaners — and four empty containers.
—Susan Shain, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for surface
Noun
On the surface, Flacco would seem to be the frontrunner given his experience and Pickett the backup for the same reason.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025
Pastorino said collaborators opted to place the carnival rides (like last year) on hard parking lot surfaces (to avoid soggy lawn conditions).
—Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2025
Verb
When photos of Pedretti and Arnold, now 31, hanging out together surfaced online in November 2021, reps for the stars did not respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.
—Angel Saunders, People.com, 22 July 2025
For example, Khanna recommends starting small—like practicing deep, slow breathing when anxious feelings (and the instinct to people-please or withdraw) begin to surface.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 21 July 2025
Adjective
The battery life alone (23 minutes and 30 seconds) makes this one of the best cordless vacuums, but there are some additional unique features that helped this Eureka multi-surface model stand out to us.
—Alida Nugent, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2023
In it were tablets containing concentrated hand soap as well as multi-surface, glass and bathroom cleaners — and four empty containers.
—Susan Shain, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for surface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surface
Noun
-
Don't be fooled by the building's nondescript exterior—the tiny displays of classic photos and stories inside, combined with the affordable €5 ticket for retrospectives and programs with filmmaker participation, won me over immediately.—
Emily Manthei,
Travel + Leisure,
19 July 2025
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The facade is made of raw concrete plaster that was intentionally left to weather over time, resulting in a rough, unrefined exterior that is contrasted by mahogany doors, oak paneling, and large glass windows.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
18 July 2025
Verb
-
Chioma Nnadi emerges as the obvious choice, currently serving as head of editorial content at British Vogue.—
Lilian Raji,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
-
Those economic woes have squeezed the working middle class, but people paid in dollars or key lucrative sectors have emerged relatively unscathed.—
Alexander Onukwue,
semafor.com,
18 July 2025
Verb
-
Sales rose 7% in the second quarter compared with Q2 2024 and 12% in 2025’s first half.—
Jackie Charniga,
Freep.com,
23 July 2025
-
So a heatwave there in early 2024 that scientists say was made 4 degrees Celsius hotter by climate change saw global cocoa prices rise by a massive 280% in April that year.—
Lianne Kolirin,
CNN Money,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
The damage looked superficial, while the rider himself was laid-back.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
26 July 2025
-
Unfortunately, many of these individuals are disillusioned with the traditional path and are enticed by the allure of fast money, luxurious lifestyles, and superficial beauty without any effort or hard work.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 July 2025
Noun
-
Tiki Bob's closed a few days later following a spate of more violence, but its palm tree sign still hangs on the front of the building.—
Alysa Guffey,
IndyStar,
25 July 2025
-
Stock image: a ghost decoration hanging in front of a house in Kensington Market, Toronto Ontario Canada, taken on October 30, 2024.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
Verb
-
Often problems arise from short-term pollution, which can happen during heavy rainfall that washes waste from sewage plants into the water.—
Katie Nadworny,
Travel + Leisure,
14 July 2025
-
When tech issues arise, fingers, by default, point at the IT team.—
Noah Barsky,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
And that reactivity leads to poor decisions, inconsistent follow-through, and shallow innovation.—
Brent Gleeson,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
-
Then sawfish began washing up dead in the same shallow waters, launching an unusual rescue effort.—
Jenny Staletovich,
Miami Herald,
19 July 2025
Verb
-
As entrepreneurship becomes more global and technical barriers to entry continue to rise, the demand for operational support appears to be universal.—
Josipa Majic Predin,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
But the name Sullivan appeared in 1900 as the 898th most popular name.—
Clea Haran,
Parents,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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