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 it has been outstripped by investment, making consumption a smaller part of China’s overall GDP. Peter Guo, NBC news, 28 June 2025 The 125 percent tariff that was levied outstripped even the most extreme forecasts and led to a monthlong trade war that roiled the global economy. Rebecca Lissner, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 If supply outstrips demand, bond prices will fall, and yields will rise. Mike Patton, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025 At a high level, the growth in electricity demand and deactivation of power-generating facilities are outstripping the pace at which new electricity generation is being added to the electric grid, Hill said. Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for outstrip
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outstrip
Verb
  • The asylum process in Mexico is supposed to take about three months, said Mejía from UNHCR, but the number of cases exceeds the capacity of the Mexican Commission for Refugee Aid to process them.
    Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • That number far exceeds any other program nationwide.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Interest payments are now the second-largest spending category in the federal budget, surpassing Medicare and defense in fiscal year 2024 and trailing only Social Security.
    Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 19 July 2025
  • As of 2025, Hawkins says that social media has officially become the business’s main source of income, surpassing both classes and commissions.
    Tabitha Parent, People.com, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • Only Ichiro himself has eclipsed that total since, with his MLB-record 262 in 2004.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 25 July 2025
  • The next one is a partial solar eclipse on Sept. 21, when up to 80% of the sun will be eclipsed by the moon as seen from the Pacific Ocean (including Fiji, Tahiti and New Zealand) and Antarctica.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • The performance, which bettered Wilson’s former U18 best of 44.20 from last year at the Holloway Pro Classic, moved the rising high school senior and Olympic gold medalist to No. 4 in the world at the distance.
    Cory Mull, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • Research has shown that expressing gratitude provides many health benefits including reducing depression, improving self-esteem, bettering sleep, lowering blood pressure and an increased sense of happiness and well-being.
    Rafael James, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Outstrip.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstrip. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on outstrip

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