exceed

[ik-seed]

verb (used with object)

1. to go beyond in quantity, degree, rate, etc..

   to exceed the speed limit.

2. to go beyond the bounds or limits of.

   to exceed one's understanding.

   Synonyms: transcend, overstep

3. to surpass; be superior to; excel.

   Her performance exceeded all the others.

   Synonyms: top, cap, beat, outstrip, outdo

verb (used without object)

1. to be greater, as in quantity or degree.

2. to surpass others; excel or be superior.

exceed

/ ɪkˈsiːd /

verb

1. to be superior to (a person or thing), esp in size or quality; excel

2. (tr) to go beyond the limit or bounds of

   to exceed one's income

   exceed a speed limit

3. to be greater in degree or quantity than (a person or thing)

Other Word Forms

• exceedable adjective
• exceeder noun
• superexceed verb (used without object)
• unexceedable adjective
• unexceeded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exceed¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English exceden, from Latin excēdere “to go out, go beyond”; equivalent to ex- ¹ + cede

Word History and Origins

Origin of exceed¹

C14: from Latin excēdere to go beyond, from cēdere to go

Example Sentences

The company says it will provide 12 months of temporary storage for those exceeding the limit, and users can download saved content to their device.

From BBC

"Now families want the cars that most exceed crash test ratings. Why shouldn't parents want the same from the apps their children use?"

From BBC

In September, the government said it had exceeded its target to provide funded childcare to an additional half a million children.

From BBC

What gives some observers hope is that China has a track record of exceeding many of its international climate commitments.

From BBC

Hannah knows little of human corruption, but her knowledge of life — her spiritual knowledge — far exceeds that of his own.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• eclipse 
• outpace 
• outstrip 
• top