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
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
In a first half of memorable moments, unimaginable meltdowns and scintillating finishes, the Penguins outdid themselves on Sunday at Nationwide Arena.
—Josh Yohe, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Stranger Things outdid itself with the premiere of its final season over the Thanksgiving holiday.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 22 Dec. 2025
Ohtani outdid himself again Monday night with another performance for the ages in Game 3 of the World Series, and Freeman’s walk-off homer in the 18th inning gave the Los Angeles Dodgers a 6-5 win over the Toronto Blue Jays—a game that’s tied for the longest Fall Classic contest ever.
—Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 28 Oct. 2025
The second-generation car, by contrast, was an evolution, but a rare sequel that outdid its predecessor.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2025
But Lowry – the gregarious and intense giant of Team Europe who seems to love this competition more than any other – outdid his opponent by stuffing his iron shot within five feet.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025
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
In a first half of memorable moments, unimaginable meltdowns and scintillating finishes, the Penguins outdid themselves on Sunday at Nationwide Arena.
—Josh Yohe, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Stranger Things outdid itself with the premiere of its final season over the Thanksgiving holiday.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 22 Dec. 2025
Ohtani outdid himself again Monday night with another performance for the ages in Game 3 of the World Series, and Freeman’s walk-off homer in the 18th inning gave the Los Angeles Dodgers a 6-5 win over the Toronto Blue Jays—a game that’s tied for the longest Fall Classic contest ever.
—Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 28 Oct. 2025
The second-generation car, by contrast, was an evolution, but a rare sequel that outdid its predecessor.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2025
But Lowry – the gregarious and intense giant of Team Europe who seems to love this competition more than any other – outdid his opponent by stuffing his iron shot within five feet.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outdid
Verb
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The capybara surpassed the typical 10- to 12-year life expectancy for the species in human care.—
Beth Reese Cravey,
Florida Times-Union,
26 Mar. 2026
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Given California’s capital city can hit triple digits and years has on occasion surpassed 110 degrees, the A’s scheduled about as few day games at home as logistically possibly.—
Michael McGough,
Sacbee.com,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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During key periods like the pandemic boom and another surge in 2025, trading card indexes tracking Pokémon sales posted gains that far exceeded the S&P 500's long-term average annual return of 10% to 12%, according to trading card valuation tool Card Ladder.—
Brandon Gomez,
CNBC,
29 Mar. 2026
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While all samples met federal primary drinking water standards for contaminants, such as lead and copper, every site exceeded secondary standards, which are linked to taste, odor, discoloration, and, critically, corrosion in pipes.—
Bridget Shirvell,
Hartford Courant,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The sunniness outside is eclipsed by that inside the hotel.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Mar. 2026
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Durant had already eclipsed Wilt Chamberlain (31,419) and Dirk Nowitzki (31,560) this season before moving up again Saturday.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Charred flatbreads are also on the menu alongside heartier mains like pan-seared branzino and rib eye steak topped with golden butter.—
Tanasia Kenney,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Mar. 2026
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In the gutter, the usual New Orleans blend of litter and live-oak leaves was topped by a shimmering layer of pink fish scales glinting in the sun.—
Daniel Brook,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Outdid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outdid. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
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