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 Key moments in the development of his post-Beatles musical career, whether solo or as part of Wings, are presented by McCartney here as driven by a desire to outdo his former bandmates. Caleb Hammond, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2025 For example, in 2023, the world's largest wind turbine, with a 260-meter (853-ft) diameter began operating in China, only to be outdone the following year by another monster windmill with a blade diameter of 310 m (1,107 ft). New Atlas, 28 Aug. 2025 Cherki and Phil Foden, the two technical creators in the squad, have bonded by becoming the go-to partner for each other in warm-ups, trying to outdo one another with their juggling and long diagonals to test each other’s touch. Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025 And though Swift has never had trouble outdoing herself, her past few projects have left expectations quite high. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 11 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outdo
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outdo
Verb
  • Charlotte posted five different drives of eight plays or more, three of which surpassed 60 yards on the drive.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The total of 823 munitions made the attack Russia's largest to date, surpassing the 741 munitions reported by the air force on July 9.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In 2024, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received nearly 860,000 reports of scams, with potential losses exceeding $16 billion.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The tax break phases out for individuals with earnings exceeding $75,000 and for married couples with earnings above $150,000.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Over the past two seasons, the Swede has scored 44 goals in the Premier League, a tally bettered only by Salah and Erling Haaland with 47 and 49 respectively.
    Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
  • But since his release, has worked to better the justice system, Johnson said.
    Drake Bentley, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Outdo.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outdo. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on outdo

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