Surpass
What it means
To do better than a standard or previous achievement.
Reach for it when describing performance or quality that goes beyond a standard, rival, or earlier result
The new filter may surpass the old model in every test.
Words to choose between 7
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
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playful
Fits when a record or previous high point is beaten
Careful Top is too casual for nuanced differences in quality.
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everyday
Fits when plain language suits improving on a prior result
Careful As a verb, better can sound awkward when the comparison is not explicit.
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professional
exceed
Fits when a measurable limit or expectation is passed
Careful Exceed is neutral and numerical, while surpass often highlights comparative merit.
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professional
Fits when results are better than a competitor or benchmark
Careful Beauty, kindness, and abstract quality are not naturally said to outperform.
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formal
Fits when growth or pace moves clearly ahead of comparison
Careful Outstrip can sound competitive where the aim is personal progress.
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formal
Fits when something rises beyond a category, limit, or ordinary concern
Careful Transcend is philosophical and less suited to a score or sales target.
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literary
eclipse
Fits when one achievement makes another seem much less impressive
Careful Eclipse implies overshadowing and can belittle the earlier work.
Opposites 3
- trail
- underperform
- fall short
Common phrases 3
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surpass expectations
The repaired turbine continued to surpass expectations through winter.
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surpass a record
This year's donations may surpass the previous record by Friday.
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surpass the original
The community production managed to surpass the original in warmth.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated