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 next

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

Examples 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 Those who exceed this limit can receive up to a year in county jail and/or a fine up to $10,000. For rentals that were not previously advertised, the asking price cannot exceed 160 percent of the fair market rent (FMR) established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). —

Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 For cannabis, smoke exposure can cause substantial crop losses, with some estimates suggesting potential statewide production losses exceeding 25% in a single year. —

Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2025 If demand exceeds what companies can produce, however, that could fuel further inflation. —

Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025 In divorce filings, Jabbar said his monthly expenses, including child support for his first two children, exceeded his income. —

Jason Allen, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for exceed

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exceed

Verb

With SpaceX’s continued pace, more launches from United Launch Alliance and the debut of Blue Origin’s New Glenn, the Space Coast could surpass 100 in 2025.

— Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2025
The fire had burned 10,600 acres by Wednesday afternoon, with winds reaching, and even surpassing 80 mph, per the Angeles National Forest.

— Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 9 Jan. 2025