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
The heat behind the forecast Above-average sea surface temperatures in the eastern subtropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea are primary factors for this year’s storm season, according to researchers at Colorado State University. Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2025 Likewise, not all are designed to work with every type of pool liner or surface material. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
The video also arrives as a report has surfaced about creative difficulties reaching a boiling-over point between the show’s composer, Cristóbal Tapia de Veer, and creator Mike White. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 3 Apr. 2025 Internet investigators point out that scammers have become more sophisticated since the Nigerian prince first surfaced. Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 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
  • By Bryan Hood Audi Photo : Audi Photo : Audi The exterior Photo : Audi The exterior Photo : Audi The interior Photo : Audi The interior Photo : Audi The exterior Photo : Audi The exterior Bryan Hood Senior Staff Writer Bryan Hood is a digital staff writer at Robb Report.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2025
  • So, there's lots of work to do here on the exterior of the home.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • When asked which of these individuals would be their preferred choice for the party’s nomination in 2028, Vance again emerged as the frontrunner with 44% of Republicans choosing him.
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The filmmaker collective and independent production company is focused on nurturing new and emerging talent globally.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Louisville, Kentucky has already seen impacts on daily life as the Ohio River has risen over five feet over the last 24 hours – and it’s expected to rise significantly higher over the next two to three days, Mayor Craig Greenberg said Saturday afternoon.
    Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The rising Murphy was coming off wins over Edson Barboza and Dan Ige in 2024.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Her framework moves beyond superficial advice, addressing the root causes of insecurity while offering practical tools for lasting change.
    Angela Lei, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Due to its mild alkaline (acid-reducing) effect and abrasive texture, baking soda can help remove superficial stains and reduce bacteria in the mouth.
    Cristina Mutchler, Health, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In the photo, Haack and Larocca, 52, smiled for the camera while standing in front of what appeared to be a yellow villa.
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • As for the dire wolf, Lamm told me that the decision to put it at the front of the line was not because the company was impatient with its difficult marquee projects.
    D. T. Max, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But some conservationists are expressing wide ranging concern about the unintended consequences that could arise as researchers continue to try and resurrect versions of extinct animals.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Your passion must propel you forward when obstacles arise.
    Jay Ruderman, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But unless Miami can pick the right player from a very shallow pool of remaining veteran free agents, two of the roster’s biggest holes (starting defensive lineman, starting guard, starting cornerback) will need to be filled on the second day of the draft.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2025
  • What made this one especially deadly was its strength, location near populated areas and shallow depth of just about six miles, writes Science News’ Carolyn Gramling.
    Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Khalil is due to appear before an immigration judge for a removal proceeding on April 8.
    Armando Garcia, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Both feature an Annunciation, in which an angel appears and announces that Mary, a virgin who is engaged to Joseph, is to have a son by God.
    Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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