as in to outdo
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of one-up
But the answer isn’t for Republicans to one-up those efforts with their own election-rigging measure.
—
Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 27 Mar. 2026
Kyle is just outing herself as a gossip and is distorting what everyone has to say to try to one-up Dorit in her own life.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026
Network correspondents scramble to one-up each other.
—Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2026
Maybe to one-up John Cage and his infamous four minutes, thirty-three seconds of silence, Sun Ra had composed a piece for a band that never comes.
—Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for one-up
Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 27 Mar. 2026
Kyle is just outing herself as a gossip and is distorting what everyone has to say to try to one-up Dorit in her own life.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026
Network correspondents scramble to one-up each other.
—Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2026
Maybe to one-up John Cage and his infamous four minutes, thirty-three seconds of silence, Sun Ra had composed a piece for a band that never comes.
—Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for one-up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for one-up
Verb
-
Not to be outdone, Vikingo hit a desperation crucifix driver.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
-
The ultra-wealthy city-state of Monaco on the French Riviera is no stranger to luxury hotels—fellow grand dames Hôtel de Paris and Hermitage sit at the heart of the action around Casino Square—each vying to outdo the other with fancy arrivals and impeccably discreet service.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
Then Pulisic outran the defense and buried a goal off a pass from Ricardo Pepi.—
Tim Rohan,
NBC news,
1 June 2026
-
As a result, innovation is outrunning supervision.—
Hersh Shefrin,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
Women whose incomes outpace their male partners’ have a 35% increase in the likelihood of domestic violence and a 20% increase in emotional abuse.—
Julia Korn,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
-
But critics question whether funding is outpacing real-world demand.—
Clare Duffy,
CNN Money,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
The chain is looking to focus on menu innovation — like bettering its McCrispy chicken line — and improve kitchen operations.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
2 June 2026
-
Arsenal’s 79 final-third regains are only bettered by PSG and Bayern this season in the Champions League, and a quarter of them have led to shots.—
Liam Tharme,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
Yapi created the opportunity by outracing Carlos Harvey down the left flank.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
11 Aug. 2025
-
May was replaced by Anthony Banda, who was greeted with another two-run triple by Willy Adames (who had already homered to open the scoring in the second inning) and a run-scoring infield single from Lee, who outraced Banda to first base to punctuate a painfully long inning.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 July 2025
Verb
-
This distinction put the two communities among the best places to live in Oklahoma, as well, however, both were outshined by Broken Arrow, which was named the best place to live in Oklahoma and the 19th-best in the nation.—
Josh Kelly,
Oklahoman,
28 May 2026
-
In Game 6, Stephon Castle outshined Wembanyama with a game-high 32 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
Since 1990, the number of people living outside their country of birth has nearly doubled, surpassing 300 million worldwide in 2024.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
3 June 2026
-
Industry sources expect month-over-month growth throughout the first year, with sales projected to surpass eight figures.—
Ryma Chikhoune,
Footwear News,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
Garrincha’s appeal transcended the bounds of the pitch.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
-
Durkin pointed out that Rosas’ impact transcends numbers or statistics.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“One-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/one-up. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
