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

• break
• exceed
• outreach
• overpass
• overreach
• overrun
• overshoot
• overstep
• surpass
• transcend

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

Whether making early alliances, or chasing an idol-hunting Mary Zheng, or outrunning Charity Nelms for an advantage, Sai played hard and played fast. —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025

In Wright’s version, Powell’s character, Ben Richards, joins a television show where contestants must outrun killers in order to earn money for his sick daughter. —Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 4 Apr. 2025

Wease is a vertical receiver who won’t outrun the coverage but can outwork them for the football. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025

On that occasion, Newcastle’s club-record-equalling nine-game winning run was ended by a side who outran, out-pressed and overpowered them. —Chris Waugh, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025

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