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

• surpass
• exceed
• better

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

In the eye of the hurricane is McGrath, moving with the calm assuredness of a woman who has seen it all and done it all, and yet continues to outdo herself. —Tracee Ellis Ross, Glamour, 27 Oct. 2025

That was the second-most striking crowd reaction of the night, outdone only by the authentic joy when Gordon missed his first 3-pointer. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 24 Oct. 2025

Not to be outdone, the timelessly elegant Stanly Ranch, Auberge Collection has its own Little Rancher’s Camp available throughout the summer to afford the adults some precious breathing room to enjoy the resort’s amenities. —AFAR Media, 23 Oct. 2025

Not to be outdone, the Giants followed up with a tip-drill touchdown of their own, as Theo Johnson caught a deflected pass on third-and-17 and ran with it for a 41-yard score on the ensuing possession. —Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 20 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing outdo

• outdo oneself

Rhymes for outdo

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

Kids Definition

outdo

verb

out·​do -ˈdü 

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

: to go beyond in achievement or performance