exceed

[ ik-seed ]

verb (used with object)

1. to go beyond in quantity, degree, rate, etc.:

   to exceed the speed limit.

2. to go beyond the bounds or limits of:

   to exceed one's understanding.

   Synonyms: transcend, overstep

3. to surpass; be superior to; excel:

   Her performance exceeded all the others.

   Synonyms: top, cap, beat, outstrip, outdo

verb (used without object)

1. to be greater, as in quantity or degree.
2. to surpass others; excel or be superior.

exceed

/ ɪkˈsiːd /

verb

1. to be superior to (a person or thing), esp in size or quality; excel
2. tr to go beyond the limit or bounds of

   to exceed one's income

   exceed a speed limit

3. to be greater in degree or quantity than (a person or thing)

Derived Forms

• exˈceeder, noun
• exˈceedable, adjective

Other Words From

• ex·ceeda·ble adjective
• ex·ceeder noun
• super·ex·ceed verb (used without object)
• unex·ceeda·ble adjective
• unex·ceeded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exceed¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English exceden, from Latin excēdere “to go out, go beyond”; equivalent to ex- ¹ + cede

Word History and Origins

Origin of exceed¹

C14: from Latin excēdere to go beyond, from cēdere to go

Example Sentences

Despite the brief health scare, Rife told The Times his career trajectory had far exceeded his expectations.

From Los Angeles Times

That is the highest rate since the beginning of the war, exceeding the 1,200 being killed or wounded every day in May and June.

From BBC

However, Mrs Crisp said when this money started to run out, the council told her the cost of her mother's care home exceeded the amount it would agree to fund.

From BBC

Within just six years, many of these trees have already begun fruiting, with some exceeding 15 meters in height.

From Science Daily

Those who exceeded it were deemed to be just fine.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• eclipse
• outpace
• outstrip
• top