What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
exceed
Example
The cost of the project exceeded our budget. [exceeded: verb]
Example
The noise level exceeded the legal limit. [exceeded: past tense]
Example
Her performance exceeded all expectations. [exceed: verb]
surpass
Example
Her talent surpassed that of her peers. [surpassed: past tense]
Example
The new product design surpasses the previous one. [surpasses: present tense]
Example
His achievements in the field of science are unsurpassed. [unsurpassed: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Exceed is more commonly used than surpass in everyday language, and is more versatile in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between exceed and surpass?
Both exceed and surpass can be used in formal and informal contexts, but exceed is more commonly used in everyday language and is therefore less formal than surpass.
