transcend
verb
tran·scend tran(t)-ˈsend 
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.
Synonyms
- beat
- better
- eclipse
- exceed
- excel
- outclass
- outdistance
- outdo
- outgun
- outmatch
- outshine
- outstrip
- overtop
- surpass
- top
- tower (over)
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
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 Machine learning has capacities that are real, but which transcend human understanding: the definition of magic. 
Stephen Marche, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2022 Most conversations about sneaker design start with Mr. Hatfield and Mr. Jordan, whose collaboration on 16 releases between 1993 and 2003 set the standard for how performance basketball could transcend to lifestyle. New York Times, 10 Sep. 2022 Through it all, the lovers and co-parents have proven the extent of their mutual support and loyalty through thick and thin—including through a breakup and makeup—and the ways in which a solid, devoted relationship can transcend all the labels. Sabrina Park, Harper's BAZAAR, 11 Aug. 2022 Still, DiLiegro aspires to someday shed his second skin, play a member of his own species and transcend the world of comic book geekdom. Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2022 Here are three common mistakes companies must transcend to achieve a successful digital transformation. David Mankowski, Forbes, 1 Aug. 2022 Bad Bunny has had a Midas touch for some time, but his 2022 achievements transcend the typical markers of mainstream success. Griselda Flores, Billboard, 21 July 2022 Buechner, though, was able to transcend the political and theological divisions that are common in the contemporary religious landscape. John Blake, CNN, 21 Aug. 2022 The ultimate goal of the ball, said Callahan, is to transcend boundaries and bring people together. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 30 June 2022 See More
Stephen Marche, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2022 Most conversations about sneaker design start with Mr. Hatfield and Mr. Jordan, whose collaboration on 16 releases between 1993 and 2003 set the standard for how performance basketball could transcend to lifestyle. New York Times, 10 Sep. 2022 Through it all, the lovers and co-parents have proven the extent of their mutual support and loyalty through thick and thin—including through a breakup and makeup—and the ways in which a solid, devoted relationship can transcend all the labels. Sabrina Park, Harper's BAZAAR, 11 Aug. 2022 Still, DiLiegro aspires to someday shed his second skin, play a member of his own species and transcend the world of comic book geekdom. Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2022 Here are three common mistakes companies must transcend to achieve a successful digital transformation. David Mankowski, Forbes, 1 Aug. 2022 Bad Bunny has had a Midas touch for some time, but his 2022 achievements transcend the typical markers of mainstream success. Griselda Flores, Billboard, 21 July 2022 Buechner, though, was able to transcend the political and theological divisions that are common in the contemporary religious landscape. John Blake, CNN, 21 Aug. 2022 The ultimate goal of the ball, said Callahan, is to transcend boundaries and bring people together. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 30 June 2022 See More 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
Kids Definition
transcend
verb
tran·scend tran-ˈsend
transcended; transcending
1
: to rise above the limits of
The music transcends cultural boundaries.
2
: to do better or more than
The poem transcended all others in its beauty.
transcending
verb
1
as in exceeding
to be greater, better, or stronger than a man whose practical knowledge of botany transcends that of his more educated colleagues Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- exceeding
- surpassing
- eclipsing
- topping
- overcoming
- excelling
- outdoing
- outshining
- beating
- bettering
- outstripping
- outdistancing
- mastering
- outclassing
- defeating
- overshadowing
- outmatching
- overtopping
- surmounting
- conquering
- outpacing
- outrunning
- outgunning
- outweighing
- running rings around
- subduing
- overpassing
- trumping
- running circles around
- towering (over)
- outperforming
- going one better
- outracing
- crushing
- shaming
- licking
- besting
- routing
- clobbering
- one-upping
- overmatching
- outcompeting
- trouncing
- whipping
- trimming
- worsting
- thrashing
- overbearing
- walloping
- outbalancing
- drubbing
- triumphing (over)
- prevailing (over)
- winning (against)
- skunking
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- losing (to)
2
as in surpassing
to go beyond the limit of a person who believes that any true understanding of God transcends human intelligence Synonyms & Similar Words
- exceeding
- surpassing
- outrunning
- overpassing
- overreaching
- outreaching
- overstepping
- breaking
- overrunning
- overshooting
- encroaching
- entrenching
- invading
- trespassing
- infringing
- overdoing
- overutilizing
- overusing
- overworking
- intrenching