surpass
Pronunciation: ser-PAS
verb
Definition of surpass
To exceed; to be greater than
Synonyms for surpass
surpass in a Sentence
- The athlete's performance surpassed all expectations and broke the world record.
Why surpass Matters for GRE & SAT
"surpass" is a verb that means "To exceed; to be greater than" closely related to words like "exceed", "outdo", "transcend". As a word starting with S, it belongs to a cluster of GRE and SAT vocabulary that test-takers often encounter in Verbal Reasoning, Text Completion, and Reading Comprehension sections.
On the GRE, understanding "surpass" helps you distinguish between closely related answer choices in Sentence Equivalence questions. On the SAT, recognizing this word in context strengthens your performance on Craft & Structure and Words in Context questions. Seeing how "surpass" is used in sentences — like the examples above — builds the contextual understanding that standardized tests reward.
Study tip: Start with the definition and part of speech (verb). Then learn its 3 synonyms to build a word network. Finally, practice with spaced repetition to move "surpass" into long-term memory.
How to Remember surpass
One effective way to remember "surpass" (verb) is to group it with similar words you already know: "exceed" and "outdo" and "transcend". When you encounter "surpass" on a test, these synonym connections help you quickly recall its meaning — "To exceed; to be greater than".
Use flashcard apps with spaced repetition to review "surpass" at increasing intervals until it becomes automatic.
Related Words
- Sycophant — A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage.
- sadistic — taking pleasure in causing pain or suffering to others
- sagacious — demonstrating wisdom or sound judgment
- salubrious — promoting health or well-being
- salutary — beneficial, especially in promoting health or well-being
- sanctimonious — giving the impression that one is morally superior
More Vocabulary Words Starting with S
- Sycophant — A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage.
- sadistic — taking pleasure in causing pain or suffering to others
- sadistic — taking pleasure in causing pain or suffering to others
- sagacious — demonstrating wisdom or sound judgment
- sagacious — demonstrating wisdom or sound judgment
- salubrious — promoting health or well-being
- salubrious — promoting health or well-being
- salutary — beneficial, especially in promoting health or well-being
- salutary — beneficial, especially in promoting health or well-being
- sanctimonious — giving the impression that one is morally superior