Synonyms of exceed

exceed

verb

ik-ˈsēd 

1

as in to surpass

to go beyond the limit of

by resorting to corporal punishment, the teacher had clearly exceeded his authority

Synonyms & Similar Words

• surpass
• transcend
• break
• invade
• outrun
• overrun
• overstep
• overshoot
• overreach
• outreach
• encroach
• infringe
• trespass
• overpass
• entrench
• overdo
• overuse
• overwork
• overutilize

2

as in to better

to be greater, better, or stronger than

her knowledge of French wines exceeds that of anyone else I know

Synonyms & Similar Words

• surpass
• better
• top
• eclipse
• beat
• transcend
• excel
• overcome
• outstrip
• outdo
• outshine
• master
• outweigh
• outdistance
• defeat
• overshadow
• overtop
• outmatch
• tower (over)
• outclass
• outpace
• outgun
• best
• go one better
• surmount
• outrun
• worst
• run circles around
• subdue
• conquer
• outperform
• prevail (over)
• triumph (over)
• win (against)
• one-up
• crush
• trump
• lick
• trim
• shame
• outrace
• outcompete
• rout
• clobber
• whip
• overmatch
• thrash
• trounce
• overpass
• overbear
• outbalance
• wallop
• drub
• skunk

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lose (to)

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb exceed contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of exceed are excel, outdo, outstrip, surpass, and transcend. While all these words mean "to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree," exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.

exceed the speed limit

When would excel be a good substitute for exceed?

Although the words excel and exceed have much in common, excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

excels in mathematics

When is it sensible to use outdo instead of exceed?

The words outdo and exceed are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

outdid herself this time

Where would outstrip be a reasonable alternative to exceed?

The synonyms outstrip and exceed are sometimes interchangeable, but outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

When could surpass be used to replace exceed?

In some situations, the words surpass and exceed are roughly equivalent. However, surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

the book surpassed our expectations

When is transcend a more appropriate choice than exceed?

While the synonyms transcend and exceed are close in meaning, transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.

transcended the values of their culture

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of exceed

Homeowners would have up to five years to comply, but costs could exceed $4,500 per property, raising concerns about affordability. —Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026

Yet the fortune generated by Silicon Valley in the past few decades has exceeded the value of all the gold discovered during the first California boom 200 times over, even adjusted for inflation. —Theo Baker, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026

And that's when their calculations revealed that these animals were probably gargantuan — well larger than the giant Pacific octopus, today's biggest member of the family whose arm span often exceeds 13 feet. —Ari Daniel, NPR, 24 Apr. 2026

Ponds is an undersized (5-9, 173 pounds), but physical cornerback who will likely exceed expectations. —Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026