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

Next week is host to the twelfth Giving Tuesday; a day when the non-profit community eagerly pounces on the opportunity to outdo last year’s high-water mark of $3.1 billion in individual and corporate charitable giving. —Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024

In flight, carriers are racing to outdo one another with upscale dining experiences from top-name chefs and brand-name amenities. —Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 26 Nov. 2024

Not to be outdone, in 2024 Knibb qualified for the American Olympic team in both triathlon and road cycling. —Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 21 Nov. 2024

Not to be outdone, the first-ever Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix will be held on the blue-green waters of Lake Geneva in September. —Sarah James, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Nov. 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