transcend

verb

tran·​scend tran(t)-ˈsend How to pronounce transcend (audio)
transcended; transcending; transcends

transitive verb

1
a
: to rise above or go beyond the limits of
b
: to triumph over the negative or restrictive aspects of : overcome
c
: to be prior to, beyond, and above (the universe or material existence)
2
: to outstrip or outdo in some attribute, quality, or power

intransitive verb

: to rise above or extend notably beyond ordinary limits

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When Should You Use transcend?

Great leaders are expected to transcend the limitations of politics, especially during wartime and national crises. A great writer may transcend geographical boundaries to become internationally respected. And certain laws of human nature seem to transcend historical periods and hold true for all times and all places.

Choose the Right Synonym for transcend

exceed, surpass, transcend, excel, outdo, outstrip 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

surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

the book surpassed our expectations

transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.

transcended the values of their culture

excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

excels in mathematics

outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

outdid herself this time

outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

Examples of transcend in a Sentence

music that transcends cultural boundaries She was able to transcend her own suffering and help others. Her concerns transcended local issues.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Pencil Skirt Clean-lined, pencil skirts have officially transcended the confines of the cubicle, thanks to designers like Saint Laurent, Toteme, and Tory Burch who put forward polished designs with street style appeal. Laura Jackson, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2024 But neither its staging nor its performances transcend the limitations of Adrian Speckert and Cory Todd Hughes’ script, leaving mediocre material unredeemed by any special thrills, style, or character detailing. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 22 Nov. 2024 By blending accessibility, multi-sensory design, playfulness, distinctiveness, and authenticity, this partnership transcends timeless art deco elegance, high-end design and carves out a bold new path. Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 With this pair of albums, MIYAVI has nimbly transcended his past public image, boldly exploring new territory. Billboard Japan, Billboard, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for transcend 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin transcendere to climb across, transcend, from trans- + scandere to climb — more at scan

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of transcend was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near transcend

Cite this Entry

“Transcend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transcend. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

transcend

verb
tran·​scend tran(t)s-ˈend How to pronounce transcend (audio)
1
: to rise above or go beyond the limits of : exceed
2
: to be greatly superior to : surpass

More from Merriam-Webster on transcend

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