Word
resurface
Phoneticsresur·face
US/ɹiˈsɝfəs/
UK/ɹɪsˈɜːfɪs/
Definition
v. to appear again after being hidden or gone for a while. You use it when an old problem, memory, or object comes back.
v. to rise again to a surface after submersion or covering; to reappear after a period of absence or obscurity.
Examples
“Old photos resurface when she cleans the attic.”
“After the storm passes, divers wait for the missing buoy to resurface near the harbour entrance.”
“Memories he thought long buried resurface in the quiet of the archive, triggered by the smell of old paper and dust.”
Examples
simple
“Old photos resurface when she cleans the attic.”
contextual
“After the storm passes, divers wait for the missing buoy to resurface near the harbour entrance.”
complex
“Memories he thought long buried resurface in the quiet of the archive, triggered by the smell of old paper and dust.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “resurface” in context.
Verb
01. fear resurface
“My fear of flying resurfaced before the long trip.”
noun + verb
02. issue resurface
“The same issue resurfaced at every meeting this month.”
noun + verb
03. memory resurface
“Painful memories resurfaced when she visited her hometown.”
noun + verb
04. problem resurface
“Old problems resurfaced when the team started working together.”
noun + verb
05. rumour resurface
“Rumours of a merger resurfaced on social media yesterday.”
noun + verb
Adjective
06. briefly resurface
“The scandal briefly resurfaced in last week's news.”
adv + verb
Noun
07. resurface after decade
“The missing painting resurfaced after a decade abroad.”
verb + prep + noun
08. resurface from past
“A secret from his past resurfaced during the campaign.”
verb + prep + noun
09. old memories resurface
“Old memories resurfaced when we returned to our childhood home.”
10. problems resurface during talks
“Old problems resurfaced during talks between the two sides.”
11. resurface after many years
“The stolen necklace resurfaced after many years in storage.”
12. scandal resurfaced in the press
“The corruption scandal resurfaced in the press last month.”
Usage
Intransitive when meaning to reappear; transitive when meaning to lay a new surface on a road or floor.
Real-World Examples
“Those tensions resurfaced decades later under Justin Trudeau, whose term began in 2015.” “Social media users have been sharing posts resurfacing the claim that the taurine used in Red Bull is made from bull sperm.” “An old quote falsely attributed to Donald Trump has recently resurfaced online.” “A photo taken in March 2019 has resurfaced, creating the misperception that Kelly has been released.” Etymology
From re- + surface.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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