surpass

[ser-pas, -pahs]

verb (used with object)

1. to go beyond in amount, extent, or degree; be greater than; exceed.

2. to go beyond in excellence or achievement; be superior to; excel.

   He surpassed his brother in sports.

   Synonyms: outstrip, beat

3. to be beyond the range or capacity of; transcend.

   misery that surpasses description.

surpass

/ sɜːˈpɑːs /

verb

1. to be greater than in degree, extent, etc

2. to be superior to in achievement or excellence

3. to overstep the limit or range of

   the theory surpasses my comprehension

Other Word Forms

• surpassable adjective
• surpasser noun
• unsurpassable adjective
• unsurpassed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of surpass¹

First recorded in 1545–55; from Middle French surpasser; equivalent to sur- ¹ + pass

Word History and Origins

Origin of surpass¹

C16: from French surpasser, from _sur- ¹ + passer to _pass

Synonym Study

See excel.

Example Sentences

Arsenal broke the world record to sign her from Liverpool in July and, although it has since been surpassed, she will forever be the women's game's first seven-figure player.

From BBC

The United States international is one of the most exciting talents in the world and the deal will surpass Chelsea's previous transfer record to sign USA defender Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave in January.

From BBC

Job cuts so far this year have already surpassed the total for 2024, as government cost-cutting, economic uncertainty and AI have prompted employers to reduce staff.

From Los Angeles Times

Premier League clubs have splashed out more than ever before in a transfer window as spending this summer surpassed £3bn.

From BBC

This represented two firsts: Liverpool passing the £300m landmark and surpassing Manchester United in this aspect for the first time.

From BBC

Related Words

• beat 
• eclipse 
• exceed 
• outpace 
• outperform 
• outstrip 
• outweigh 
• pass 
• rank 
• top