Synonyms of outdo

outdo

verb

ˌau̇t-ˈdü 

as in to surpass

to be greater, better, or stronger than

two vaccine developers who spent years vigorously trying to outdo one another's research

Synonyms & Similar Words

• surpass
• exceed
• better
• eclipse
• top
• beat
• outshine
• outstrip
• transcend
• excel
• outdistance
• outclass
• outmatch
• overcome
• outgun
• master
• overtop
• one-up
• outpace
• overshadow
• outrun
• defeat
• tower (over)
• best
• outperform
• conquer
• surmount
• outweigh
• subdue
• go one better
• worst
• run circles around
• outcompete
• outrace
• win (against)
• lick
• clobber
• trump
• prevail (over)
• triumph (over)
• shame
• trounce
• crush
• rout
• whip
• trim
• thrash
• overmatch
• drub
• overbear
• overpass
• outbalance
• wallop
• skunk

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lose (to)

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb outdo contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of outdo are exceed, excel, outstrip, surpass, and transcend. While all these words mean "to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree," outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

outdid herself this time

When would exceed be a good substitute for outdo?

The words exceed and outdo are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.

exceed the speed limit

When could excel be used to replace outdo?

In some situations, the words excel and outdo are roughly equivalent. However, excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

excels in mathematics

When can outstrip be used instead of outdo?

The meanings of outstrip and outdo largely overlap; however, outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

When is it sensible to use surpass instead of outdo?

While the synonyms surpass and outdo are close in meaning, surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

the book surpassed our expectations

When might transcend be a better fit than outdo?

The synonyms transcend and outdo are sometimes interchangeable, but transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.

transcended the values of their culture

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of outdo

Each sentence is diamond cut … Buntin has outdone herself … leases and provokes from every vantage point, but what is especially remarkable is Buntin’s audacity, her gutsy choices, and her clarity. — Literary Hub, 17 July 2026

The bad blood just increases from there and gets exceedingly personal as each magician tries to outdo the other in an electrifying, gripping duel that tears apart both their lives. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 17 July 2026

Not to be outdone, other tick species are also spreading out and causing more misery. — Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 14 July 2026

Never to be outdone, Bryce Harper squares up for his home faithful in pursuit of a second title. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 13 July 2026