Synonyms

surpass

American

[ser-pas, -pahs] / sərˈpæs, -ˈpɑs /

verb (used with object)

to go beyond in amount, extent, or degree; be greater than; exceed.
to go beyond in excellence or achievement; be superior to; excel.

He surpassed his brother in sports.

Synonyms:

outstrip , beat
to be beyond the range or capacity of; transcend.

misery that surpasses description.

surpass British

/ sɜːˈpɑːs /

verb

to be greater than in degree, extent, etc
to be superior to in achievement or excellence
to overstep the limit or range of

the theory surpasses my comprehension

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See excel.

Other Word Forms

surpassable adjective
surpasser noun
unsurpassable adjective
unsurpassed adjective

Etymology

Origin of surpass

First recorded in 1545–55; from Middle French surpasser; equivalent to sur- ¹ + pass

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In Norway Tesla has sold nearly 29,000 cars since January, surpassing the record of any brand for an entire year.

From Barron's

That surpasses the previous record set on June 22 this year.

From Barron's

Gold prices have risen 60% this year, surpassing the $4,200 mark.

From The Wall Street Journal

The sequel is likely to surpass that figure, making it hugely profitable for Disney.

From The Wall Street Journal

The state in September surpassed 200,000 fully public and shared EV charging ports — an increase of about 20,000 since March, according to the California Energy Commission.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023