TRANSCEND Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'transcend' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of transcend are exceed , excel , outdo , outstrip , and surpass . While all these words mean "to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree," transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits. // transcended the values of their culture

Q: When would 'exceed' be a good substitute for 'transcend'?

While the synonyms exceed and transcend are close in meaning, exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement. // exceed the speed limit

Q: In what contexts can 'excel' take the place of 'transcend'?

In some situations, the words excel and transcend are roughly equivalent. However, excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others. // excels in mathematics

Q: When can 'outdo' be used instead of 'transcend'?

The synonyms outdo and transcend are sometimes interchangeable, but outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before. // outdid herself this time

Q: Where would 'outstrip' be a reasonable alternative to 'transcend'?

Although the words outstrip and transcend have much in common, outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition. // outstripped other firms in sales

Q: When might 'surpass' be a better fit than 'transcend'?

The words surpass and transcend can be used in similar contexts, but surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill. // the book surpassed our expectations

transcend

verb

tran(t)-ˈsend

Definition of transcend next

as in to exceed

to be greater, better, or stronger than a man whose practical knowledge of botany transcends that of his more educated colleagues

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lose (to)

as in to surpass

to go beyond the limit of a person who believes that any true understanding of God transcends human intelligence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb transcend contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of transcend are exceed, excel, outdo, outstrip, and surpass. While all these words mean "to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree," transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.

transcended the values of their culture

When would exceed be a good substitute for transcend?

While the synonyms exceed and transcend are close in meaning, exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.

exceed the speed limit

In what contexts can excel take the place of transcend?

In some situations, the words excel and transcend are roughly equivalent. However, excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

excels in mathematics

When can outdo be used instead of transcend?

The synonyms outdo and transcend are sometimes interchangeable, but outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

outdid herself this time

Where would outstrip be a reasonable alternative to transcend?

Although the words outstrip and transcend have much in common, outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

When might surpass be a better fit than transcend?

The words surpass and transcend can be used in similar contexts, but surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

the book surpassed our expectations

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of transcend The Motor City even got in on the action with Sunday's Dan Campbell look-alike contest, a clear sign that the Lions head coach has transcended sports to become a cultural icon. —

Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 13 Dec. 2024 Despite early criticism, the interest in the initiative shows a potential for unconventional bipartisanship, opening the door to something that transcends normal ideological divides. —

Hanna Trudo, The Hill, 10 Dec. 2024 Though Panthers players won’t want to hear it, Young’s resurgence over the last five games transcends the results of the individual games. —

Joseph Person, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024 This is true for both his contemporary films and his period pieces, which helps the latter transcend costume-drama stereotypes. —

Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for transcend

Recent Examples of Synonyms for transcend

Verb

The debts of only those people aged 70 and over exceed the total amount of all Social Security benefits that will be paid out this year.

Next Avenue, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Just don’t exceed 1,000 micrograms of total daily folate, the NIH says, as high doses can hide or exacerbate B12 deficiency and potentially increase risks of colorectal cancer.

Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 17 Dec. 2024