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

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 transcend Over the past half-decade, the quartet has transcended the boundaries between K-pop and the global mainstream in ways that no other girl group had done before, turning the momentum from their 2010s singles and projects into a 2020s breakthrough, particularly in North America. Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2025 Powerfully, this support has transcended political, racial, and even class divisions, as mail has flooded MDC from across the country, and around the globe. Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025 Immersive technologies such as virtual or augmented reality already do a pretty good job of reconstructing visual and auditory elements of experiences that can transcend space and time. Gayoung Lee, Scientific American, 28 Feb. 2025 By partnering with these highly recognizable and influential figures, Loewe achieves precise content penetration, transcending cultural barriers and strengthening its connection with local consumers. WWD, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for transcend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transcend
Verb
  • High-performance cultures prioritize excellence and ensure that their teams are equipped to achieve and exceed their goals.
    Margaret Graziano, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • The Mets’ spending for the 2021-24 seasons exceeded what the lower-rolling Tampa Bay Rays, Miami Marlins and Pittsburgh Pirates each spent over the past 21 years.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Canada has also seen the Liberal Party surge rapidly in recent polls, either tying or surpassing the previously dominant Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The animated epic has become the first Chinese film to surpass $2 billion at the box office, marking a historic milestone.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The 19 points marked Bridges’ highest-scoring quarter of the season and eclipsed his full-game output from each of the previous seven games.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Williams and Bernard were the only two receivers to eclipse 150 yards last season, so this group needs more dependable options to take the passing game to the next level.
    Kennington Smith III, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • No player completed more than his 286 progressive passes in Ligue 1 last season, while only Julien Ponceau could better his 70 progressive carries from a central midfield role.
    Thom Harris, The Athletic, 6 Feb. 2025
  • Since at least 2023, Roche Bobois has been strategically focused on fortifying its position in the Chinese market in order to better tap into the growth potential of the world’s second-largest economy.
    Sofia Celeste, WWD, 30 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Transcend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transcend. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

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