surpassing

[ser-pas-ing, -pah-sing]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR surpassing ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

of a large amount or high degree; exceeding, excelling, or extraordinary: structures of surpassing magnificence.

adverb

in a surpassing manner; extraordinarily.

Origin of surpassing

First recorded in 1570–80; surpass + -ing²

Related formssur·pass·ing·ly, adverb

surpass

[ser-pas, -pahs]

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.

to be beyond the range or capacity of; transcend: misery that surpasses description.

Origin of surpass

1545–55; < Middle French surpasser, equivalent to sur- sur-¹ + passer to pass

Related formssur·pass·a·ble, adjectivesur·pass·er, nounun·sur·pass·a·ble, adjectiveun·sur·passed, adjective

Synonyms for surpass

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR surpass ON THESAURUS.COM

2. beat, outstrip. See excel.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for surpassing

outweigh, exceed, beat, outperform, top, eclipse, rank, outstrip, pass, outpace, transcend, better, trump, outshine, cap, excel, overstep, overshadow, outdistance, outmatch

Examples from the Web for surpassing

Contemporary Examples of surpassing

Somehow Turner nailed that one second of surpassing natural force.
Why Can’t Movies Capture Genius?
Clive Irving
December 14, 2014
By 2013, that figure rose to $61 million, surpassing Jameson Irish whiskey and Patron tequila.
Europeans Recall Fireball Whiskey Over a Sweetener Also Used in Antifreeze
Tim Mak
October 28, 2014
More than that, it was ultimate proof of a surpassing American technical achievement, the creation of the Jet Age.
The Sexy Dream of the 747
Clive Irving
October 26, 2014
Bernard-Henri Lévy on Mali, Libya, and how the French are surpassing the U.S. as the principal guardians of human rights.
Bernard-Henri Lévy On France Taking the Lead In Mali
Bernard-Henri Lévy
February 5, 2013
It is a piece of surpassing minimalism that has profound resonance.
Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato’s Favorite World of Wonder Clips (VIDEO)
Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato
February 5, 2013

Historical Examples of surpassing

They were not altogether sure yet that the Spaniards were not gods, or at the least Surpassing Beings.
The Trail Book
Mary Austin
There was another, surpassing them all, which attended me many days.
Green Mansions
W. H. Hudson
I am curious to know,' said Mr Chester, with surpassing affability.
Barnaby Rudge
Charles Dickens
He described her as of surpassing beauty, wit, and accomplishment.
Masterpieces of Mystery
Various
But in our faces she found a consternation far surpassing hers.
The Best Short Stories of 1920
Various

British Dictionary definitions for surpassing

surpassing

adjective

exceptional; extraordinary

adverb

obsolete, or poetic (intensifier)surpassing fair

Derived Formssurpassingly, adverb

surpass

verb (tr)

to be greater than in degree, extent, etc

to be superior to in achievement or excellence

to overstep the limit or range ofthe theory surpasses my comprehension

Derived Formssurpassable, adjective

Word Origin for surpass

C16: from French surpasser, from sur- 1 + passer to pass

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

Word Origin and History for surpassing

surpass

1550s, from Middle French surpasser "go beyond, exceed, excel," from Old French sur- "beyond" (see sur-) + passer "to go by" (see pass (v.)). Related: Surpassed; surpassing.