surmount
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to mount upon; get on the top of; mount upon and cross over.
to surmount a hill.
-
to get over or across (barriers, obstacles, etc.).
-
to prevail over.
to surmount tremendous difficulties.
-
to be on top of or above.
a statue surmounting a pillar.
-
to furnish with something placed on top or above.
to surmount a tower with a spire.
-
Obsolete.
-
to surpass in excellence.
-
to exceed in amount.
-
verb
-
to prevail over; overcome
to surmount tremendous difficulties
-
to ascend and cross to the opposite side of
-
to lie on top of or rise above
-
to put something on top of or above
-
obsolete to surpass or exceed
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of surmount
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, from Anglo-French sormonter, surmounter, Old French sor(e)monter, s(o)urmonter; see sur- 1, mount 1
Explanation
If you surmount a challenge or difficult situation, you're not just getting over it. You're outdoing yourself, exceeding expectations, and overcoming the task at hand. This word comes to us from the Old French verb for mount, or climb. Maria sang "climb every mountain..." in The Sound of Music. But she could have just as well meant "surmount every obstacle" — because to surmount means to both reach the highest point of something, like a mountain, and to totally overcome a mountain-size problem.
Vocabulary lists containing surmount
"The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
This Feb. 29: 15 Words for "Leap"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
On Your Mark, Get Set, Commence Your Life!
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Sometimes, even the best-laid plans can’t surmount a brick wall.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026
Treasury yields rose as inflation fears continued to surmount growth worries—even after a disappointing U.S. jobs print Friday.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026
That’s precisely why I forced myself to surmount my anxiety on the second day of Lollapalooza when we were slated to see the Chilis.
From Salon • Aug. 17, 2024
Some have fallen away, some can’t surmount the damage they’ve absorbed or inflicted on others, and too many have died young.
From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2024
To the dismay of the Japanese climbers, however, the ladder was falling apart and had become partially detached from the rock, so ninety minutes of strenuous climbing were required to surmount this 20-foot cliff.
From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
