exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.
exceed the speed limit
surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.
the book surpassed our expectations
transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.
transcended the values of their culture
excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.
excels in mathematics
outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.
outdid herself this time
outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.
outstripped other firms in sales
Example Sentences
Attendance is expected to surpass last year's record. Last quarter, sales surpassed two million. His work regularly surpasses all expectations.
Recent Examples on the WebBy 2028, the number of U.S. gig workers is expected to surpass 90.1 million. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 26 Aug. 2022 Combined spending on the return to school and college is expected to surpass 2021's record of $108.1 billion. Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 25 Aug. 2022 According to China’s Meteorological Administration, temperatures in these cities are expected to surpass 40 degrees Celsius in the next 24 hours. Shawn Deng, CNN, 23 Aug. 2022 Today, there are approximately 670,000 county residents in this age group, and by 2030, they are expected to surpass 900,000, said Nick Macchione, director of the county’s Health & Human Services Agency.San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Aug. 2022 Excessive heat warnings are in effect for Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska, where the heat index is expected to surpass 110 degrees on Saturday. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2022 The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning through Sunday evening for the Coachella Valley, San Gorgonio Pass and San Diego County deserts, where highs are expected to surpass 110 degrees.Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2022 India is expected to surpass China as the world’s most populous country as soon as next year. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 11 July 2022 Sunday’s temperatures were expected to surpass those on Saturday, when summer-like weather blanketed much of the region and sent crowds to beaches seeking relief. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 22 May 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle French surpasser, from sur- + passer to pass