transcend

American  

[tran-send] / trænˈsɛnd /

verb (used with object)

1. to rise above or go beyond; overpass; exceed.

   to transcend the limits of thought; kindness transcends courtesy.

2. to outdo or exceed in excellence, elevation, extent, degree, etc.; surpass; excel.

   Synonyms:

   outstrip

3. Theology. (of the Deity) to be above and independent of (the universe, time, etc.).

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verb (used without object)

1. to be transcendent or superior; excel.

   His competitiveness made him want to transcend.

transcend British  

/ trænˈsɛnd /

verb

1. to go above or beyond (a limit, expectation, etc), as in degree or excellence

2. (tr) to be superior to

3. philosophy theol (esp of the Deity) to exist beyond (the material world)

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Other Word Forms

• transcendingly adverb
• untranscended adjective

Etymology

Origin of transcend

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Latin trānscendere “to surmount,” from trāns- trans- + -scendere (combining form of scandere “to climb”)

Example Sentences

“Average artists sort of get forgotten but iconic artists transcend time and place.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

But I expect this is a comedy that can transcend borders.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Fanning may be acting in the modern age, but she has the exceptional curiosity and work ethic that transcend trends, making contemporary films feel like instant classics.

From Salon • Jan. 24, 2026

“It’s a planning perspective that’s looking for concrete economic enhancements at the firm and sector level, as opposed to just developing a machine that might transcend humanity,” Webster said.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 24, 2026

"Listen to me, Sikander. There are only two things that are truly infinite, that transcend time and space. Love is one of them."

From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda

Related Words

• eclipse
• outstrip
• overstep
• transform