exceed

[ik-seed]

verb (used with object)

1. to go beyond in quantity, degree, rate, etc..

   to exceed the speed limit.

2. to go beyond the bounds or limits of.

   to exceed one's understanding.

   Synonyms: transcend, overstep

3. to surpass; be superior to; excel.

   Her performance exceeded all the others.

   Synonyms: top, cap, beat, outstrip, outdo

verb (used without object)

1. to be greater, as in quantity or degree.

2. to surpass others; excel or be superior.

exceed

/ ɪkˈsiːd /

verb

1. to be superior to (a person or thing), esp in size or quality; excel

2. (tr) to go beyond the limit or bounds of

   to exceed one's income

   exceed a speed limit

3. to be greater in degree or quantity than (a person or thing)

Other Word Forms

• exceeder noun
• exceedable adjective
• superexceed verb (used without object)
• unexceedable adjective
• unexceeded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exceed¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English exceden, from Latin excēdere “to go out, go beyond”; equivalent to ex- ¹ + cede

Word History and Origins

Origin of exceed¹

C14: from Latin excēdere to go beyond, from cēdere to go

Example Sentences

The Northwest Wildland Fire Fighting Compact enables its U.S. and Canadian members to share firefighting resources and technology when blazes exceed the capacity of a single jurisdiction.

From Los Angeles Times

Teams that exceed the cap must pay luxury tax penalties that grow increasingly severe.

From Los Angeles Times

The firm's stocks surged 25% in late trading on Wednesday as American Eagle boss Jay Schottenstein said its second-quarter performance "exceeded expectations", expecting further success from sales boosted by its viral ad campaigns.

From BBC

Last year, renewable energy accounted for 50.8% of electricity generation in the UK, the first time it had exceeded half.

From BBC

The number of wildfires across north, mid and west Wales this year has already exceeded the total amount for any year since 2020, according to new figures.

From BBC

Related Words

• eclipse 
• outpace 
• outstrip 
• top