surface 1 of 3

noun

ˈsər-fəs How to pronounce surface (audio)
Definition of surfacenext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
In fact, this is where our motivations become personal and perhaps even slightly irritating, especially if repressed emotions or sensitivities rise to the surface. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026 To enable this proliferation of nature on its surface, the skin of the building is covered with pockmarks and niches that provide space for soil, water, plants, and animals. — New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
Judge Sweeney rejected other arguments likely to surface in an appeal. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Videos of Kelce walking onto the field surfaced online, and fans didn’t hold back in the comments. — Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
Further, healthy conflict serves to challenge assumptions, surface unintended consequences and improve strategic judgment. — Terina Allen, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 Audiences Were Never in One Place The shift toward multi-surface creation isn’t just happening on the creator side. — Stephanie Hind, Rolling Stone, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for surface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surface
  1. exterior
  2. emerge
  3. rise
  4. superficial
  5. front
  6. arise
  7. shallow
  8. appear
Noun
  • In collaboration with artist Niki Haas, the space features elegant marble furnishings while its exterior is classic brick.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
  • Built as a private residence by architect Walter Thomas Brooks and his family, the structure stands out for its prism-like exterior and a site plan that makes the lot part garden, part rugged hillside stage with Bay views.
    — David Caraccio Updated July 30, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of exterior
Verb
  • Before her brief appearance, Ned and MJ are in a tense standoff with Peter, who just emerged from the multiverse to help save their universe’s Spider-Man, played by Tom Holland.
    — Jack Dunn, Variety, 4 Aug. 2026
  • But whereas weaker seasons have relied on this feeding loop to the point of exhaustion, overemphasizing one side or the other, this time, new challenges keep emerging, giving personality quirks new angles through which to be reflected.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of emerge
Verb
  • As tensions rise with the Sacramento County Office of Education, Sacramento City Unified is pressing ahead with a new fiscal sustainability plan aimed at avoiding insolvency and preserving local control.
    — Chaewon Chung July 30, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
  • Ajanel is now a rising junior at Dalton State College pursuing a career in nursing.
    — Nila Roper, AJC.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of rise
Adjective
  • Reddington also took exception to the prosecution's description of injuries to Clancy's neck and wrists, which had been called superficial.
    — Kristina Rex, CBS News, 30 July 2026
  • Medicare Advantage, despite offering more benefits and cost caps, faces issues with gaming, excessive prior authorization, and a focus on superficial perks.
    — Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of superficial
Noun
  • The collision laid bare the danger at the most volatile front of Europe’s wildfire emergency.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Today, however, several armed groups allied with Tehran are back to pressuring Iran’s foes by opening new fronts that complicate the war and threaten to choke the global economy.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of front
Verb
  • The project begins with an assessment of the city’s present conditions with an emphasis on development readiness, economic opportunity and barriers that could arise.
    — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The data allowed Kie to intervene early before problems arose and ultimately control fruit quality and quantity to match market demand.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of arise
Adjective
  • The quake struck Tuesday afternoon in Kumamoto prefecture on Japan’s southern main island of Kyushu at a relatively shallow depth of 6 miles, prompting tsunami warnings and evacuation from coastal areas.
    — Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 29 July 2026
  • And despite its larger clubhead, the face height remains identical to its predecessor, preserving the shallow profile needed for confidence when hitting off the fairway.
    — Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of shallow
Verb
  • Her writing has appeared in publications such as The Guardian, Granta, National Geographic, and The Wall Street Journal.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 31 July 2026
  • In February, Baresi was one of the torchbearers for the Olympic flame at the opening ceremony for the Milan Cortina Winter Games, appearing alongside former Inter Milan and Italy defender Giuseppe Bergomi, his longtime rival on the pitch.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
Definition of appear

Phrases Containing surface

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surface
surfaced
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Cite this Entry

“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on surface

Nglish: Translation of surface for Spanish Speakers

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