What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
surpass
Example
Her performance in the competition surpassed all expectations. [surpassed: verb]
Example
The new model of the car surpasses its predecessor in terms of fuel efficiency. [surpasses: present tense]
transcend
Example
The beauty of the painting transcends its subject matter. [transcends: verb]
Example
His spiritual beliefs transcend traditional religious practices. [transcend: present tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Surpass is more commonly used in everyday language than transcend, which is more often used in formal or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between surpass and transcend?
Transcend is generally considered more formal than surpass, and is often used in philosophical or spiritual contexts.
