English Dictionary

Definition of “exceed

exceed (ɪkˈsiːdPronunciation for exceed

Definitions

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)

Alternative Forms

exˈceedable adjective exˈceeder noun

Word Origin

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

Synonyms

View thesaurus entry
= go over the limit of go beyond, overstep, go beyond the bounds of

Usage examples

  • By the way, he said you could make your call as long as it doesn't exceed three minutes.
    Terman, Douglas, Cormorant (1994)
  • Under Ontario regulations, clear-cuts can be in a range of sizes but are "not to exceed "2.6 square kilometres.
    Globe and Mail (2003)
  • The levels of compensation will far exceed the paltry sums demanded in the past.
    Glasgow Herald (2001)
  • In other words, the levels of stress encountered by a beginner will rarely exceed those encountered by an experienced hand.
    Matthews, Caitlin & Matthews, John, Hallowquest - tarot magic and the Arthurian mysteries (1990)

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