outrun

verb

out·​run ˌau̇t-ˈrən 

outran ˌau̇t-ˈran  ; outrun; outrunning

transitive verb

1

: to run faster than

2

: exceed, surpass

his ambitions outrun his abilities

Synonyms of outrun

• exceed
• surpass

Examples of outrun in a Sentence

The rabbit had no chance of outrunning the dogs.

His motorcycle could outrun any car on the road.

Recent Examples on the Web

Then, two plays later Baugh burst through the line and outran everybody for a 33-yard TD and 27-17 lead. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026

Once able to outrun Ohio’s rightward shift, Brown is now trying to reclaim a seat in a state where Republicans dominate statewide offices and Democrats’ Senate majority is on the line. — Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

Paul Paul of Dune, the heir to the House of Atreides that rules the planet of Caladan, spends most of his story trying to outrun a destiny that’s been mapped out for him by others. — Sarah Scott, Parents, 17 Sep. 2026

Alas, poor Bryan is about to learn the hard way that change — as the saying goes — is as hard to outrun as an ever-growing zombie rat king with 37 different limbs and a weirdly personal vendetta. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for outrun

• begun
• grandson
• gudrun
• handgun
• homespun
• outdone
• pashtun
• redone
• rerun
• shotgun
• someone
• stepson

Kids Definition

outrun

verb

out·​run (ˈ)au̇t-ˈrən 

outran -ˈran  ; outrun; outrunning

1

: to run or go faster than

2

: exceed sense 1

our needs outran our funds