resurface

verb

re·​sur·​face (ˌ)rē-ˈsər-fəs How to pronounce resurface (audio)
resurfaced; resurfacing; resurfaces
Synonyms of resurfacenext

transitive verb

: to provide with a new or fresh surface
resurface skin by dermabrasion

intransitive verb

: to come again to the surface (as of the water)
broadly : reappear
resurfacer
(ˌ)rē-ˈsər-fə-sər How to pronounce resurface (audio)
noun

Examples of resurface in a Sentence

A few of the writer's journals have resurfaced. His resentment toward her resurfaced. The road needs to be resurfaced.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the complaint, Boltinhouse acknowledged that years-old social media posts resurfaced after her June victory, including posts containing a racial slur and others expressing conservative political views. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 As old tensions resurface, the sisters must confront their very different ideas about faith, ambition and responsibility, as well as the grief and complicated bonds that hold their family together. — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026 So why does the issue of unsafe medical practices leading to pediatric HIV keep resurfacing? — Betsy Joles, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026 The idea was recently resurfaced by the Arizona Boardwalk and presented to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community council for permits and approval. — Dina Kaur, AZCentral.com, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resurface

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of resurface was in 1833

Rhymes for resurface

See All Rhymes for resurface

Browse Nearby Words

resupply
resurface
resurgam
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Resurface.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resurface. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

resurface

verb
re·​sur·​face rē-ˈsər-fəs How to pronounce resurface (audio)
1
: to provide with a new or fresh surface
resurface the table
2
: to come again to the surface (as of water)
resurfacer
-fə-sər How to pronounce resurface (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on resurface

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