Meaning & use

exceed

verb·Academic

To go beyond a particular limit, amount, or expectation.

See it in a sentence

The company's profits exceeded expectations for the third quarter in a row.

Drivers who exceed the speed limit risk a heavy fine.

A note on using this word

Exceed relates to a measurable limit; its near-homophone accede means to agree, and the two are frequently confused in writing.

Words with a similar meaning

surpassoutdo

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

fall short

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “exceed”, then compare your use with the examples above.

Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.