surface 1 of 3

as in exterior
an outer part or layer the surface of just about everything in the kitchen was covered with soot after we put the grease fire out

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surface

2 of 3

verb

1
as in to emerge
to come to one's attention especially gradually or unexpectedly no information regarding the stolen car has surfaced since the police found it abandoned on a country road

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2
as in to rise
to penetrate the surface (as of water) from below a submarine surfaced on the starboard side of the aircraft carrier

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surface

3 of 3

adjective

as in superficial
lying on or affecting only the outer layer of something a surface stain on the wood that can easily be removed with a mild detergent

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Example 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 surface
Noun
Each package comes with a packet of coarse salt, and the instructions say to moisten the surface with water, shower on a little (or a lot) of salt, and warm the pretzel twists in a 350°F before diving in. Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2025 Place your hands on a surface (your desk, a chair, your lap) and press down lightly. Mark Travers, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
Prior to the 2023 draft, a report surfaced that quarterback C.J. Stroud performed poorly on the exam. Cale Clinton, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025 The Super Bowl invite controversy with the Eagles started on Sunday after reports surfaced that the team would not accept an invitation from Trump to attend the White House, based on the aforementioned article in The Sun. Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
In it were tablets containing concentrated hand soap as well as multi-surface, glass and bathroom cleaners — and four empty containers. Susan Shain, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2023 The sub was fitted with six 533-millimeter torpedo tubes and carried a mix of both anti-surface and anti-submarine weapons. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 23 Dec. 2022 See All Example Sentences for surface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surface
Noun
  • The exterior features a lightweight mesh lining that’s cooling and breathable, while cushioning within the insole improves the alignment of your feet to help eliminate soreness and discomfort.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The second floor can be accessed using the exterior staircase.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Evidence has emerged of the potential speed and usability benefits of having access to real buttons instead of smartphone-like touchscreens.
    Will McCurdy, PCMAG, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Eyewitnesses have accused government supporters of carrying out execution-style killings and video footage has emerged of mass graves.
    Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN, 9 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Bentley says that 210 grams of 18-karat rose gold is present throughout the Black Rose’s decadent cabin, including on the dashboard, steering wheel, and drive mode selector.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Even with such gains, though, more stocks in the S&P 500 fell than rose.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • There are a couple of superficial parallels to the present day.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 2 Mar. 2025
  • But her natural effervescence is largely wasted by an execution that’s so painfully superficial the show feels like a parody of itself.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Sami Zayn Toronto native Drake was in attendance for WWE Elimination Chamber, seated in the front row.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • As a result, the front of the Toyota Camry struck a light pole and continued traveling in a southerly direction.
    Elainie Barraza, Orlando Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • But the problem on the tour most likely wouldn’t have arisen in Illinois, whose legislators noticed a problem and addressed it.
    Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
  • The reason why this distinction between common and statutory law matters, at least to Jackson, is because the concept of aiding and abetting arises out of the common law.
    Ian Millhiser, Vox, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This could lead to flash flooding, shallow debris flows over vulnerable burn scars, isolated rockslides, and hazardous travel conditions due slick roads.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Alcantara’s body was found Thursday stuffed in a suitcase in a shallow creek in a Yonkers park off the Saw Mill Parkway, four days after she had been reported missing.
    Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 9 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Herring, who is being held on a $500,000 bond, will next appear in court March 13 for a bond hearing.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Drawing inspiration from his and Robson’s own home, nine one-of-a-kind objects ranging from a jewelry-like metal vase and a totemic lamp built with different stones to a clock and wine glasses appear in the short films.
    Sandra Salibian, WWD, 8 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

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