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surface

sur·face

surface

 
 
pronunciation:
suhr fihs
parts of speech:
noun, adjective, transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (noun, verb)
part of speech: noun
definition 1: the exterior boundary of something.
The submarine finally rose above the surface of the water.
synonyms:
face, outside
antonyms:
interior
similar words:
exterior, side
definition 2: the topmost layer of something.
The surface of the road needs repair.
antonyms:
center, inside
definition 3: a flat area.
All the kitchen surfaces need cleaning.I need a hard surface to write on.
definition 4: the external appearance of something.
On the surface, the idea looked good.
synonyms:
face
similar words:
exterior, outward
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part of speech: adjective
definition 1: of or pertaining to the surface, exterior, or outside of something.
These surface scratches can be repaired easily.
synonyms:
exterior, external, outer, outside, superficial
similar words:
outward
definition 2: obvious; superficial.
These are merely surface issues and not critical ones.
synonyms:
obvious, superficial
antonyms:
underlying
similar words:
cosmetic, frivolous, insignificant, outward, petty, shallow, skin-deep, trifling, trivial
definition 3: sent or done by land or sea rather than by air or underground.
surface mailsurface travel
 
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: surfaces, surfacing, surfaced
definition: to finish (a surface) by smoothing or leveling.
The mill surfaces large amounts of lumber.
similar words:
even, level, smooth
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to rise to the top; come up from submersion below.
The submarine will soon surface.
synonyms:
come up, reappear
antonyms:
dive, submerge
similar words:
broach, emerge
definition 2: to come into the open from hiding.
The fugitive surfaced in Argentina.
synonyms:
reappear
similar words:
appear, emerge
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derivation: surfacer (n.)