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 property, which backs up to a trolley stop, includes 270,000 square feet of office space, 135,000 square feet of retail space, and both surface and underground parking. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025 Naturally, with her changing diet, her interest in culinary arts bubbled to the surface. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 22 May 2025
Verb
More recently, similar fears have surfaced around Arizona's voucher program. 7. Cory Turner, NPR, 23 May 2025 Not only will people be more friendly with you, a hint of romantic potential could surface. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 23 May 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
  • Clean the exterior Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the screen, case and back.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2025
  • In contrast to Scribner’s modish black exterior, the library is cast in blond wood with leather and wood seating and plenty of plush spots to curl up with complimentary coffee around a central fireplace.
    John Oseid, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • This card often symbolizes new beginnings that emerge from emotional clarity.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 June 2025
  • College sports are also a hot topic at the White House and on Capitol Hill, despite almost no actual news emerging from either place.
    Sam Settleman, New York Times, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • Future policy changes could determine whether America’s retirement age continues to rise.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Unfortunately, demand rose by nearly 50 TW-hr over the same period.
    John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Full look: Burberry; socks: stylist’s own Gorka Postigo The phenomenon of celebrities speaking out about current events can sometimes feel superficial, but Ramsey is quick to affirm the opposite of Pascal.
    Peyton Dix, Them., 27 May 2025
  • Some journalists refused to use AI for anything more than superficial interview transcription, while others use it broadly, to edit text, answer research questions, summarize large bodies of science text, or search massive troves of data for salient bits of information.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • He got patched up in France and went back to the front.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025
  • Footage from the Checkers location shows Mackey climbing out of the drive-thru window and walking to the front of the business, where the victim was, according to the affidavit.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • However, with a strategic approach and dedication, opportunities will arise.
    Jay Garcia, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Over time, writing arose in multiple locations in Asia and Africa.
    Sam Kean, The Atlantic, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • The beach forms an arc, and the bright blue waters are calm and shallow, making this the perfect spot to lounge, swim, or snorkel during a summer day.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2025
  • The bowl is shallow but wide, so multiple birds can stop by for a bath at once.
    Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • The sculpture appears in the form of a glass cube, which glows with light that changes color based on live temperature data taken from the Hoh Rain Forest in near Seattle, Washington State.
    Lucy Handley, CNBC, 1 June 2025
  • Summers appeared as the show’s announcer instead and was an executive producer.
    Victoria Edel, People.com, 31 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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