outdo

verb

out·​do ˌau̇t-ˈdü 

outdid ˌau̇t-ˈdid  ; outdone ˌau̇t-ˈdən  ; outdoing ˌau̇t-ˈdü-iŋ  ; outdoes ˌau̇t-ˈdəz 

transitive verb

1

: to go beyond in action or performance

2

: defeat, overcome

Synonyms

• beat
• better
• eclipse
• exceed
• excel
• outclass
• outdistance
• outgun
• outmatch
• outshine
• outstrip
• overtop
• surpass
• top
• tower (over)
• transcend

Choose the Right Synonym for outdo

exceed, surpass, transcend, excel, outdo, outstrip mean to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree.

exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.

exceed the speed limit

surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

the book surpassed our expectations

transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.

transcended the values of their culture

excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

excels in mathematics

outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

outdid herself this time

outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

Examples of outdo in a Sentence

Smaller companies often outdo larger ones in customer service.

My sister always tried to outdo me in school.

She scored 20 points in the first game. Not to be outdone, I scored 30 points myself in the second game.

Recent Examples on the Web

But he’s truly outdone himself exposing the shocking conduct of Alvin Bragg and Judge Merchan in the Stormy Daniels case that resulted in a verdict meant to sway the presidential election. —Rich Lowry, National Review, 4 June 2024

Next came the Swift and Armour packing house contingents, each seeking to outdo the other. —Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 June 2024

Not to be outdone, Scenic’s Scenic Eclipse II will become the only ship in the region with two helicopters onboard for flightseeing and excursions. —Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Nov. 2023

Virginie Viard just outdid herself every single time. —Angelique Jackson, Variety, 22 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing outdo

• outdo oneself

Kids Definition

outdo

verb

out·​do -ˈdü 

outdid -ˈdid  ; outdone -ˈdən  ; outdoing -ˈdü-iŋ 

: to go beyond in achievement or performance