Definition of outstripnext

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 But more Republicans suggested that the $5000 was on the way, paid for by tariffs – though the cost of the checks would vastly outstrip what the government had collected. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 11 Sep. 2026 One of barely a handful of players whose fame and social media followings vastly outstrip their own club’s profile and, in some cases, rivals that of title-winning Women’s Super League (WSL) counterparts. — Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026 Much of this debt has funded investment that has generated progressively lower—even negative—economic returns, including excess residential real estate, underutilized infrastructure, and manufacturing capacity that far outstrips demand. — Michael Pettis, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026 Needless to say, demand will outstrip supply by more than a little, but full information about the ticketing process can be found at this page. — Chris Willman, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outstrip
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outstrip
Verb
  • With annual revenues that can exceed hundreds of billions of dollars, these financial dynasties have made their mark both nationwide and across the globe.
    — Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2026
  • In-store shopping generally exceeds online in every state except Maryland and New York, where online is the narrow leader.
    — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Since August 2025, the buses have helped 169 people find housing, putting the program on track to surpass its goal.
    — Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Sep. 2026
  • This marks the third time that Universal has surpassed $5 billion globally, with the most recent coming in 2017.
    — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The homer eclipsed Babe Ruth’s 34-year-old single-season home run record.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • For presence and volume, though, Emma is soon eclipsed by the President of the United States (John Goodman), a bellowing buffoon in a Trump-red tie.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Outstrip.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstrip. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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