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

Hares are built for speed and agility, capable of outrunning most predators with powerful, long jumps. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025

What a remarkable run to fall behind entering the final curve, jostle with another horse in the final straight, only to outrun Gosger at the post. —Greg Rosenstein, NBC news, 18 May 2025

Randa Richter, Humane Programs & Public Media Director of SPCA Florida, told Fox 13 Tampa Bay that the cat quickly outran the employees. —Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 May 2025

Following the murder of her best friend, she’s forced to outrun the mob in her 1969 Plymouth Barracuda, traversing the byways of America while solving murders along the way. —Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 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