as in surpassing
to be greater, better, or stronger than
before he had reached his teens, the child prodigy had outstripped his music teacher's abilities
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Recent Examples of outstripping
Share appreciation is a sign that demand is outstripping supply at the current price level.
—
Zev Fima, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2026
Primerica’s research reports that nearly seven out of 10 households (69%) say the costs of living are outstripping their income.
—Mark Davis, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
In 2025, a staggering 623,000 people claimed to be home health and personal assistants, making it by far the biggest occupation in the state, far outstripping retail salespersons, nurses or cashiers and waitresses.
—Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 18 Jan. 2026
The nonpartisan office attributed that to state spending outstripping revenue.
—Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
The shortage market is outstripping sustainable energy’s capacity.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 18 Dec. 2025
Another area in which China’s high-end capabilities are already outstripping those of the United States is in airborne long-range early warning and command system (AWACS) aircraft.
—Justin Bronk, Foreign Affairs, 15 Dec. 2025
By some metrics the economy isn't doing badly — the White House has been pointing to falling gas prices and the fact that wages have been outstripping inflation.
—December 12, NPR, 12 Dec. 2025
Tech giants justify that spending by saying demand is outstripping supply.
—Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025
Zev Fima, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2026
Primerica’s research reports that nearly seven out of 10 households (69%) say the costs of living are outstripping their income.
—Mark Davis, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
In 2025, a staggering 623,000 people claimed to be home health and personal assistants, making it by far the biggest occupation in the state, far outstripping retail salespersons, nurses or cashiers and waitresses.
—Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 18 Jan. 2026
The nonpartisan office attributed that to state spending outstripping revenue.
—Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
The shortage market is outstripping sustainable energy’s capacity.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 18 Dec. 2025
Another area in which China’s high-end capabilities are already outstripping those of the United States is in airborne long-range early warning and command system (AWACS) aircraft.
—Justin Bronk, Foreign Affairs, 15 Dec. 2025
By some metrics the economy isn't doing badly — the White House has been pointing to falling gas prices and the fact that wages have been outstripping inflation.
—December 12, NPR, 12 Dec. 2025
Tech giants justify that spending by saying demand is outstripping supply.
—Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outstripping
Verb
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Pokémon is the world’s highest-grossing media franchise, surpassing even Disney and Star Wars.—
Laura Sharman,
CNN Money,
16 Feb. 2026
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And Gamson’s college buddy Fred Maher, a drummer for Lou Reed, Richard Hell, and the avant-funk band Material, who, like Gartside, saw how the new electronic pop was surpassing the musical adventurousness of his old post-punk comfort zone.—
Andy Cush,
Pitchfork,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Ice accumulations of at least one-tenth of an inch are possible, with localized amounts exceeding one-quarter inch in parts of northern Michigan, according to the Weather Prediction Center winter weather forecast.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Some areas could see wind gusts approaching or exceeding 60 mph with relative humidity dropping near or below 10%, creating conditions where fires can spread rapidly.—
Callie Zanandrie,
CBS News,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
With current policies and spending, the country’s national debt will surge to 120% of GDP by 2030, eclipsing the previous record of 106% set right after World War II.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Week leading up, the game dominated headlines, alongside and even eclipsing the war.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
This kind of careful pruning is superior to topping, which results in weak and spindly growth and shortens a tree's lifespan.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
15 Feb. 2026
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From topping tacos and chips to upgrading burgers and grain bowls, the mealtime opportunities are endless.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Outstripping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstripping. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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