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 Of course, the spotlight evening games were not to be outdone. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 1 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 Not to be outdone, with David Moore (elbow) sidelined in the first quarter, punt returner Trevor Etienne was forced to field a punt by the goal. Mike Kaye september 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2025 Gardens brim with fall florals, landscapers here seem to outdo themselves, decking porches and pathways with mums, pumpkins, and late blooms that rival summer’s splendor. Christine Chitnis, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outdo
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outdo
Verb
  • The aquarium met and surpassed its goal to raise the funds for its sea otter conservation program in less than eight hours, averaging about $100,000 in sales every 15 minutes, MacDonald said.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
  • And in recent weeks the S & P 500 surpassed 6,666 for the first time, registering a ten-bagger since the financial-crisis bottom of 666 set in March 2009.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Reducing that 17% to less than 8% — four of 52 — is a level of mass disenfranchisement that far exceeds what’s likely in Texas.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Wall also said the company will not allow brokers to exceed the platform’s ticket resale limits, another accusation in the lawsuit.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • When to harvest before a hard freeze hits Ideally, these crops will only be allowed to be exposed to one or two light frosts to better their flavors without pushing the plants too far.
    Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2025
  • As its capabilities increase, AI may eventually learn how to better itself, leading to more rapid increases.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 17 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outdo.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outdo. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on outdo

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