as in surpassed
to be greater, better, or stronger than
two vaccine developers who spent years vigorously trying to outdo one another's research
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Recent Examples of outdid
Of course, Carly’s kitsch far outdid her neighbors’ in its oddness, luridness, lavishness.
—
Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
Somehow, though, the Royals outdid themselves Monday night with a nauseating defeat — one that conjured the immortal wisdom of former Royals manager Buddy Bell.
—Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2026
In an administration full of SNL cold opens waiting to happen, Pete Hegseth really outdid himself this week — and Colin Jost wasn’t even in the room.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2026
With its substantial political resources and $22 million in spending — perhaps even more — AIPAC far outdid other groups in outside spending in Black and underserved communities.
—Jesse Jackson Jr, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
James outdid himself later in the same game against Cleveland — taking flight to slam a lob from Austin Reaves.
—Megan Armstrong, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
When, in 1941, Rodin performed in an evening of Shakespeare scenes, the émigré newspaper Aufbau raved that his Puck outdid Rooney’s.
—Alex Ross, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
Basically, Bath & Body and Disney really outdid themselves on this collab.
—Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 11 Feb. 2026
Each day somehow outdid the last.
—Sandy Pierre, Refinery29, 29 Jan. 2026
Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
Somehow, though, the Royals outdid themselves Monday night with a nauseating defeat — one that conjured the immortal wisdom of former Royals manager Buddy Bell.
—Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2026
In an administration full of SNL cold opens waiting to happen, Pete Hegseth really outdid himself this week — and Colin Jost wasn’t even in the room.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2026
With its substantial political resources and $22 million in spending — perhaps even more — AIPAC far outdid other groups in outside spending in Black and underserved communities.
—Jesse Jackson Jr, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
James outdid himself later in the same game against Cleveland — taking flight to slam a lob from Austin Reaves.
—Megan Armstrong, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
When, in 1941, Rodin performed in an evening of Shakespeare scenes, the émigré newspaper Aufbau raved that his Puck outdid Rooney’s.
—Alex Ross, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
Basically, Bath & Body and Disney really outdid themselves on this collab.
—Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 11 Feb. 2026
Each day somehow outdid the last.
—Sandy Pierre, Refinery29, 29 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outdid
Verb
-
The exact day the AI agents and bots surpassed human activity remains unclear.—
Samantha Elkins,
NBC news,
4 June 2026
-
Weeks later, the fundraiser had surpassed $200,000.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
Rumfield has exceeded expectations.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
30 May 2026
-
Ever since 2025, travel expenses have exceeded $200,000.—
Daniel Rivero,
Miami Herald,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
And markets appeared to agree, as optimism over tech prospects eclipsed geopolitical concerns.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
2 June 2026
-
The town above it, Cap d'Artrutx, has a long promenade along a low cliff edge where thousands will gather to watch totality, followed by a deep, partially eclipsed sun sinking into the Mediterranean.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Wild king salmon topped with tomatoes, olives and capers was accessorized with a puff pastry in the shape of a cartoon fish.—
Julissa James,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2026
-
Hewlett Packard Enterprise — The information technology stock surged 25% after Hewlett Packard posted current-quarter earnings and revenue guidance that topped analysts’ estimates.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Outdid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outdid. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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