as in overtaking
to go or grow faster than (something)
Population growth has continued to outpace job growth for the last several decades. The demand for the product has outpaced the company's ability to produce it.
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Recent Examples of outpacing
Over the 12 months ending in February, Minnesota gained 6,974 payroll jobs — outpacing the national rate.
—
Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 16 Apr. 2026
In races where Republicans had reported their fundraising by Tuesday evening, Democrats were far outpacing them.
—ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
The only thing outpacing the growth of Cooper’s draft stock these days is gas prices.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
Another recent survey of Gen Alpha kids aged 12 to 15 found that nearly a third specifically wanted to become YouTubers, even outpacing other trendy career options like TikTok creators and video game developers.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2026
Real wages are outpacing inflation?
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 13 Apr. 2026
Beauty’s digital marketing spend grew approximately 30 percent** annually between 2022 and 2025, significantly outpacing industry growth, yet returns are declining.
—Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 13 Apr. 2026
Hospital spending increased by nearly 10% in both 2023 and 2024, the fastest growth in more than three decades, outpacing inflation and wage growth.
—Anthem Blue Cross California, Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026
Food prices have climbed nearly 30% since 2019, outpacing 23% for overall consumer prices, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
—Fortune, 9 Apr. 2026
Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 16 Apr. 2026
In races where Republicans had reported their fundraising by Tuesday evening, Democrats were far outpacing them.
—ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
The only thing outpacing the growth of Cooper’s draft stock these days is gas prices.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
Another recent survey of Gen Alpha kids aged 12 to 15 found that nearly a third specifically wanted to become YouTubers, even outpacing other trendy career options like TikTok creators and video game developers.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2026
Real wages are outpacing inflation?
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 13 Apr. 2026
Beauty’s digital marketing spend grew approximately 30 percent** annually between 2022 and 2025, significantly outpacing industry growth, yet returns are declining.
—Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 13 Apr. 2026
Hospital spending increased by nearly 10% in both 2023 and 2024, the fastest growth in more than three decades, outpacing inflation and wage growth.
—Anthem Blue Cross California, Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026
Food prices have climbed nearly 30% since 2019, outpacing 23% for overall consumer prices, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
—Fortune, 9 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outpacing
Verb
-
Consider, too, the new, favorite analytic stat of big plays that’s overtaking turnovers in some circles as the best predictor of wins and losses.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The airline now commands roughly 20% more revenue per seat than its competitors, and premium cabin revenue is on the verge of overtaking main cabin for the first time in the company’s 100-year history.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Microsoft celebrated the app surpassing 10 million downloads in 2024.—
James Peckham,
PC Magazine,
13 Apr. 2026
-
This charming town on Lake Michigan has emerged as a surprising luxury hotspot, with 53 percent of listings now surpassing $1 million.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Meanwhile, government data shows that car insurance prices have soared 55% compared with six years ago, or just before the pandemic, driving up the number of Americans going without.—
Alexa St. John,
Fortune,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Smith went 2 for 2 with a walk and double at the plate, driving in 2 runs and scoring a run, all out of the 9 hole in the lineup for Southwest Christian (24-4 overall, 6-1 district).—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Outpacing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outpacing. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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