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

Dončić, for example, his talent identified as a 12-year-old, was rapidly advanced through the club system before being encouraged to move abroad, aged 16, once his talent outstripped the system. —Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026

Its reservoirs have dropped dramatically as drought has persisted and water use has outstripped the shrinking supply. —Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026

Federal and state laws set minimum numbers of spaces required for people with disabilities, but the need for the parking spots far outstrips the amount provided, according to Keller’s lawsuit. —Dara Kam, Sun Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2026

The modern labor market is currently reorganizing at a pace that outstrips employers, workers, and educators’ ability to adapt. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026