OUTDO Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

outdo

verb

ˌau̇t-ˈdü

Definition of outdo next

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

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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

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 outdo Use the hope of warm weather to add pops of color and play with new silhouettes that outdo the heaviness of thick sweaters and bulky coats of the past season. —

Jamie Weissman, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Feb. 2026 Every show was trying to outdo each other to stay on the air. —

Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Feb. 2026 This year, though, they’ve been outdone. —

Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 19 Feb. 2026 That splurge — rivaling the costliest human endeavors in history — is borne out of ambitions to outdo their giant rivals in a field that could determine their futures. —

Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 16 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outdo

Recent Examples of Synonyms for outdo

Verb

Forecasters are expecting 95-degree heat in Pasadena, San Gabriel and Burbank, surpassing single-day temperature records of 92, 93 and 93 degrees, respectively, set in 2007.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
DeRozan went 17 of 22 from the field and 5 of 5 at the free-throw line to surpass his previous season high of 37 points while passing Tim Duncan for 18th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.

— Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 12 Mar. 2026