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

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 outstrip The feelings outstripped all available language in his best numbers, quasi-orchestral works that often dissolved into wordless sing-alongs. Armin Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025 When demand begins to outstrip supply, prices go up. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 July 2025 As reported, in the three months to June 30 Burberry stemmed the double-digit sales declines of past months, and outstripped analysts’ expectations for growth. Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 22 July 2025 And, with the nation’s population growth far outstripping that seen in advanced economies in other parts of the world, Nigeria remains an attractive growth market. Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for outstrip
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outstrip
Verb
  • Already this summer, Carll has opened for Tyler Childers, Turnpike, and Robert Earl Keen, with crowds often exceeding 10,000.
    Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Just like any other business, rental housing has to at least pay for itself, and if those costs exceed rent collections, like any other business, a housing project will be in trouble.
    Roger Valdez, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • There has not been a player who has competed or surpassed a senior member in a position.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025
  • In his first seven months in office, Trump declared a national emergency at least 12 times, a feat that has surpassed any other modern president in recent times.
    Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The New York Giants are currently selling a minority stake that will likely eclipse all of those numbers.
    Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • And Gabby Williams’ wing 3-pointer to tie the game with 16 seconds to play — capping a five-point Seattle comeback in the second extra session — was eclipsed by a pick-and-roll finish from Dearica Hamby to seal the win.
    Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • That small accomplishment alone, which isn’t actually so small, always serves to better my headspace when too busy with other things to fully deep-clean every surface, bathroom, and cluttered cabinet.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2025
  • Eight appearances in his first season were bettered by 23 in the next.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 31 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Outstrip.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstrip. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on outstrip

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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