surface 1 of 3

as in exterior
an outer part or layer the surface of just about everything in the kitchen was covered with soot after we put the grease fire out

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surface

2 of 3

verb

1
as in to emerge
to come to one's attention especially gradually or unexpectedly no information regarding the stolen car has surfaced since the police found it abandoned on a country road

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2
as in to rise
to penetrate the surface (as of water) from below a submarine surfaced on the starboard side of the aircraft carrier

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surface

3 of 3

adjective

as in superficial
lying on or affecting only the outer layer of something a surface stain on the wood that can easily be removed with a mild detergent

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of surface
Noun
The property, which backs up to a trolley stop, includes 270,000 square feet of office space, 135,000 square feet of retail space, and both surface and underground parking. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025 Naturally, with her changing diet, her interest in culinary arts bubbled to the surface. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 22 May 2025
Verb
More recently, similar fears have surfaced around Arizona's voucher program. 7. Cory Turner, NPR, 23 May 2025 Not only will people be more friendly with you, a hint of romantic potential could surface. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 23 May 2025
Adjective
In it were tablets containing concentrated hand soap as well as multi-surface, glass and bathroom cleaners — and four empty containers. Susan Shain, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2023 The sub was fitted with six 533-millimeter torpedo tubes and carried a mix of both anti-surface and anti-submarine weapons. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 23 Dec. 2022 See All Example Sentences for surface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surface
Noun
  • Such a bold exterior look is the result of designer Chris Bottoms at Studio De Voogt listening to the owner’s ideas.
    Bill Springer, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • The distinctive body is well-suited for both right- and left-handed users, but the hyper-glossy exterior is prone to smudging (though it can be easily wiped away with a microfiber cloth).
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Watching a toad emerge from a pile of leaves or hearing a frog call at dusk can be a lovely experience—one that reminds us to pay attention and delight in the small wonders right outside our door.
    Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025
  • Pulliam saw the coyote emerge from the nearby woods and tried to distract it by throwing rocks, but tripped in the process.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Insurance premiums have risen 24% on average in recent years, according to the Consumer Federation of America.
    Michael Copley, NPR, 23 May 2025
  • Unfortunately, demand rose by nearly 50 TW-hr over the same period.
    John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Full look: Burberry; socks: stylist’s own Gorka Postigo The phenomenon of celebrities speaking out about current events can sometimes feel superficial, but Ramsey is quick to affirm the opposite of Pascal.
    Peyton Dix, Them., 27 May 2025
  • Some journalists refused to use AI for anything more than superficial interview transcription, while others use it broadly, to edit text, answer research questions, summarize large bodies of science text, or search massive troves of data for salient bits of information.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • Footage from the Checkers location shows Mackey climbing out of the drive-thru window and walking to the front of the business, where the victim was, according to the affidavit.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 25 May 2025
  • He got patched up in France and went back to the front.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • However, with a strategic approach and dedication, opportunities will arise.
    Jay Garcia, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Over time, writing arose in multiple locations in Asia and Africa.
    Sam Kean, The Atlantic, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • Reaser’s Nora comes off as a shallow woman oblivious of her privilege, which is true but only partly so.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
  • When the ocean is relatively calm and shallow, there is also less plankton, sand, particles, and other materials constantly churning in the waves, which gives the water a clearer appearance.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • The sculpture appears in the form of a glass cube, which glows with light that changes color based on live temperature data taken from the Hoh Rain Forest in near Seattle, Washington State.
    Lucy Handley, CNBC, 1 June 2025
  • Summers appeared as the show’s announcer instead and was an executive producer.
    Victoria Edel, People.com, 31 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surface. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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