surpass crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "surpass crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle. Whether you need a short solution or a longer one, we've got you covered.
Solutions for "surpass crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
TOP: To exceed in quantity or degree; to be superior to.
4 Letters
BEAT: To do better than someone or something in a competition or comparison.
BEST: To defeat or surpass (someone or something).
5 Letters
EXCEL: To be exceptionally good at or proficient in an activity or subject.
OUTDO: To be more successful than someone else.
7 Letters
ECLIPSE: To make something seem less important or impressive by comparison.
8 Letters
OUTSTRIP: To move faster than and get ahead of (someone or something); to surpass.
9 Letters
TRANSCEND: To be or go beyond the range or limits of (something abstract, especially a conceptual field or division).
More About "surpass crossword clue"
The term "surpass" is a popular one in crosswords due to its wide range of synonyms, allowing setters to create clues of various lengths and complexities. At its core, "surpass" means to exceed, overcome, or be superior to. Depending on the nuance of the clue, answers can range from simple, direct synonyms like BEAT or TOP to more evocative terms like TRANSCEND or ECLIPSE.
When encountering "surpass" as a clue, consider the context provided by other words in the puzzle and the specific wordplay. Sometimes the clue might hint at a physical act (like outrunning, leading to OUTSTRIP), while other times it suggests a metaphorical or abstract achievement (like excelling in a skill, leading to EXCEL). Always keep an eye on the number of letters required, as this is often the most critical piece of information.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of boxes for the answer is your biggest hint. If "surpass" requires 5 letters, you immediately narrow down options from a dozen possibilities to just EXCEL or OUTDO.
- Consider Common Prefixes: Many "surpass" synonyms start with "OUT-", such as OUTDO, OUTSHINE, OUTCLASS, or OUTSTRIP. If the first letter is 'O', this could be a strong indicator.
- Look for Context Clues: Sometimes the clue might include additional words that hint at the specific type of surpassing. "Surpass in a race" might suggest OUTRUN, while "surpass expectations" could point to EXCEED.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use letters from already solved intersecting words to confirm or eliminate potential answers. This is a fundamental crossword strategy that is especially useful for clues with many synonyms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "surpass" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "surpass" typically means to exceed, outperform, or go beyond. Clues using this word often lead to synonyms like BEAT, EXCEL, OUTDO, or TRANSCEND, depending on the letter count and surrounding clues.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes for "surpass" clues?
Words related to "surpass" often start with 'OUT-' (e.g., OUTDO, OUTSHINE, OUTSTRIP) or use terms implying superiority (e.g., 'top', 'best'). Pay attention to wordplay that might indicate these common patterns, as they are frequently used in clue construction.
How do I find the right length answer for "surpass"?
The length of the answer is crucial. If you have an answer like 'EXCEL' (5 letters) but need a 4-letter word, consider 'BEAT' or 'BEST'. Always check the intersecting letters from other clues to confirm the correct word length and specific synonym, as context is key in crosswords.