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 Word Forms

• 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

What follows exceeds even Gaga’s high standards, entering the echelon of all-time great performance art pieces.

From Salon

Seperately on Wednesday, Beijing announced its GDP grew by 5.4% between January and March, compared with the same period a year earlier - a figure that has exceeded expectations.

From BBC

In that moment, there was a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction from Lue and the Clippers because they had exceeded expectations and finished in the fifth spot in the NBA’s competitive Western Conference.

From Los Angeles Times

More than one-third of samples collected within the Eaton burn scar exceeded California’s health standard of 80 milligrams of lead per kilogram of soil, Roux found.

From Los Angeles Times

But some carers have previously told the BBC they were unaware they had exceeded the earnings limit until they were informed years later, when they owed thousands.

From BBC

Related Words

• eclipse
• outpace
• outstrip
• top