Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

on the surface

Idioms  

  1. Superficially, to all outward appearances, as in On the surface he appeared brave and patriotic, but his troops knew better. [Early 1700s]

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.

"They saw impact flashes on the surface, which means material hitting the surface of the Moon and creating new craters," she said.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

It says this could "uncover new discoveries and a more nuanced appreciation for the features on the surface of the Moon."

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

The study also shows that changing the type of halogen on the surface alters how MXenes interact with electromagnetic waves.

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026

It aspires to launch Artemis IV, which would put humans on the surface of the moon, in 2028.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

A strong wind was whipping up bigger waves on the surface, and I could only stay afloat through constant, frenetic movement.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

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

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.