Synonyms of outstrip

outstrip

verb

ˌau̇t-ˈstrip 

as in to exceed

to be greater, better, or stronger than

before he had reached his teens, the child prodigy had outstripped his music teacher's abilities

Synonyms & Similar Words

• exceed
• surpass
• eclipse
• better
• top
• outdo
• outdistance
• transcend
• outshine
• excel
• beat
• outmatch
• outclass
• outpace
• overcome
• overtop
• overshadow
• outgun
• tower (over)
• master
• outweigh
• outrun
• defeat
• go one better
• best
• surmount
• run circles around
• worst
• one-up
• outperform
• subdue
• conquer
• outcompete
• outrace
• win (against)
• prevail (over)
• trump
• triumph (over)
• rout
• clobber
• lick
• trounce
• shame
• crush
• trim
• overmatch
• whip
• thrash
• overbear
• overpass
• outbalance
• drub
• wallop
• skunk

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lose (to)

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb outstrip contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of outstrip are exceed, excel, outdo, surpass, and transcend. While all these words mean "to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree," outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

When is exceed a more appropriate choice than outstrip?

Although the words exceed and outstrip have much in common, exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.

exceed the speed limit

When would excel be a good substitute for outstrip?

In some situations, the words excel and outstrip are roughly equivalent. However, excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

excels in mathematics

Where would outdo be a reasonable alternative to outstrip?

While the synonyms outdo and outstrip are close in meaning, outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

outdid herself this time

When might surpass be a better fit than outstrip?

The meanings of surpass and outstrip largely overlap; however, surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

the book surpassed our expectations

When can transcend be used instead of outstrip?

The words transcend and outstrip can be used in similar contexts, but transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.

transcended the values of their culture

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of outstrip

And his laziness has long outstripped his loyalty to the queen. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026

Their theater attendance purportedly outstripped that of their elders; their tastes in video-game franchises and low-budget horror undeniably carried the day. — Sophia Nguyen, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 2026

Russia, Kashin argued, could not achieve more on the battlefield in the short to medium term, and the costs of prolonged war were starting to outstrip strategic benefits. — Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 31 July 2026

Demand for the drug had outstripped supply on and off for years. — Eric Boodman, STAT, 31 July 2026