EXCEED Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of exceed are excel , outdo , outstrip , surpass , and transcend . While all these words mean "to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree," exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement. // exceed the speed limit

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

Although the words excel and exceed have much in common, excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others. // excels in mathematics

Q: When is it sensible to use 'outdo' instead of 'exceed'?

The words outdo and exceed are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 'exceed'?

The synonyms outstrip and exceed are sometimes interchangeable, but outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition. // outstripped other firms in sales

Q: When could 'surpass' be used to replace 'exceed'?

In some situations, the words surpass and exceed are roughly equivalent. However, surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill. // the book surpassed our expectations

Q: When is 'transcend' a more appropriate choice than 'exceed'?

While the synonyms transcend and exceed are close in meaning, transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits. // transcended the values of their culture

exceed

verb

ik-ˈsēd

Definition of exceed

as in to surpass

to go beyond the limit of by resorting to corporal punishment, the teacher had clearly exceeded his authority

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to better

to be greater, better, or stronger than her knowledge of French wines exceeds that of anyone else I know

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lose (to)

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb exceed contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of exceed are excel, outdo, outstrip, surpass, and transcend. While all these words mean "to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree," exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.

exceed the speed limit

When would excel be a good substitute for exceed?

Although the words excel and exceed have much in common, excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

excels in mathematics

When is it sensible to use outdo instead of exceed?

The words outdo and exceed are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

outdid herself this time

Where would outstrip be a reasonable alternative to exceed?

The synonyms outstrip and exceed are sometimes interchangeable, but outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

When could surpass be used to replace exceed?

In some situations, the words surpass and exceed are roughly equivalent. However, surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

the book surpassed our expectations

When is transcend a more appropriate choice than exceed?

While the synonyms transcend and exceed are close in meaning, transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.

transcended the values of their culture

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 exceed The system keeps track of whether travelers exceed that limit. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 12 Aug. 2026 Its speed also exceeded the 303 mph record previously achieved by a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026 Both indicated that the administration likely exceeded its authority in attempting to impose election requirements on states, which have the primary responsibility under law for regulating voting. — Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026 Nationally, as of Tuesday, the CDC had reported 13,895 cases of the illness since May 1, resulting in 740 hospitalizations, although the agency notes state counts may exceed its own numbers. — Nathan Ansell, Arkansas Online, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exceed

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exceed

Verb

With the first movie becoming Blumhouse’s biggest opening ever in 2023, despite a theatrical day-and-date on Peacock, followed by last year’s sequel breaking multiple box office records, the franchise has surpassed $530M globally.

— Glenn Garner, Deadline, 9 Aug. 2026
Solar generation surged again in 2025 and, for the first time, surpassed wind as a source of global electricity.

— Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of surpass

Verb

His revered mentor, José Antonio Abreu, who founded the educational program in 1975 with the conviction that learning music can, in bettering lives, lead to profound social change.

— Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026
Asking for feedback is only one step of the process in bettering your organization.

— Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Definition of better

Verb

Cava Group — Shares of the Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant chain jumped almost 12% after reporting second quarter earnings of 19 cents per share, topping the LSEG consensus estimate of 18 cents a share.

— Sarah Min,Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026
The Dodgers’ luxury tax bill was $167 million last season, and it is projected to top $180 million this season, which is more than the total 2026 luxury tax payrolls of nearly half the league.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of top

Verb

Neighbouring Devon should also encounter a high percentage of coverage, while people in Pembrokeshire, Wales, are set to see up to 94% of the sun eclipsed.

— Callum Sutherland, Time, 7 Aug. 2026
Across Algeria, France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Poland and beyond, millions will see the sun set while deeply eclipsed.

— Jamie Carter, Space.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of eclipse

Browse Nearby Words

excavations

exceed

exceeded

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Style

“Exceed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exceed. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of exceed

verb

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Synonyms of exceed

verb

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