Synonym Chooser

How does the verb outdo contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of outdo are exceed, excel, outstrip, surpass, and transcend. While all these words mean "to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree," outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

outdid herself this time

When would exceed be a good substitute for outdo?

The words exceed and outdo are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.

exceed the speed limit

When could excel be used to replace outdo?

In some situations, the words excel and outdo are roughly equivalent. However, excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

excels in mathematics

When can outstrip be used instead of outdo?

The meanings of outstrip and outdo largely overlap; however, outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

When is it sensible to use surpass instead of outdo?

While the synonyms surpass and outdo are close in meaning, surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

the book surpassed our expectations

When might transcend be a better fit than outdo?

The synonyms transcend and outdo are sometimes interchangeable, but transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.

transcended the values of their culture

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of outdo Not to be outdone in the opposite penalty area, Courtois’s dramatic stop in the final throes left every fan breathless with the referee blowing his whistle just seconds later. Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2025 The competitive pressures of having to periodically bid for contracts lead to greater service levels, accountability and innovation, as potential providers vie to outdo each other to win the contract. Adam Summers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 July 2025 Republicans seem to try to outdo each other to see who can be the most hateful and disgusting. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 26 June 2025 Application teams have been scrambling to outdo each other ever since, with promises of millions of dollars in investment, thousands of affordable housing units and union jobs. Téa Kvetenadze, New York Daily News, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for outdo
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outdo
Verb
  • The death toll from flooding in Texas surpassed 100 on Monday, as officials faced scrutiny over the adequacy of local warning systems.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 8 July 2025
  • Russian Attacks on Ukraine and War Developments Late on July 3 and into the early hours of July 4, Russia battered Ukraine with more than 500 drones and missiles in the most intense aerial attack of the war, surpassing the previous record set just days earlier on June 29.
    Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • That number far exceeds any other program nationwide.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025
  • The asylum process in Mexico is supposed to take about three months, said Mejía from UNHCR, but the number of cases exceeds the capacity of the Mexican Commission for Refugee Aid to process them.
    Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • The performance, which bettered Wilson’s former U18 best of 44.20 from last year at the Holloway Pro Classic, moved the rising high school senior and Olympic gold medalist to No. 4 in the world at the distance.
    Cory Mull, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • Research has shown that expressing gratitude provides many health benefits including reducing depression, improving self-esteem, bettering sleep, lowering blood pressure and an increased sense of happiness and well-being.
    Rafael James, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Outdo.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outdo. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on outdo

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