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 And, for the first time in years, the growth in U.S.-based applicants outstripped international ones. Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 Unless it is quickly addressed, the isolation that the world has imposed on HTS and the Syrian state could create a crisis that outstrips Afghanistan’s. Delaney Simon, Foreign Affairs, 2 Jan. 2025 If demand begins to outstrip the 300,000 visitor target, the sustainability fee may yet go up again. Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week Uk, theweek, 22 Nov. 2024 Hopes for relief For decades, demand for housing has outstripped supply nationwide. Bryan Mena, CNN, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for outstrip 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outstrip
Verb
  • Mahomes’ touchdown-to-interception ratio in the playoffs (5.4-to-1) also exceeds his regular season rate (3.3-to-1).
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2025
  • None of them exceeded expectations quite the way O’Connell did.
    Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Wiggins surpassed his previous career high of 28 points.
    Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 2 Feb. 2025
  • Layoffs and unemployment rates are low despite elevated interest rates and inflation, and U.S. employers surpassed analyst expectations by adding 256,000 jobs in December. Need a break?
    Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Nabers, remember, set a franchise record with 109 catches this season, eclipsing Steve Smith’s 107 from 2009.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2025
  • But the game has changed — that era’s drugs eclipsed by the obliterants flooding in now.
    Matt Thompson, SPIN, 3 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In the end, Iris has a battle with Josh and betters him by stabbing him in the head with an electronic wine opener.
    William Earl, Variety, 1 Feb. 2025
  • 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, 12 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near outstrip

Cite this Entry

“Outstrip.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstrip. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on outstrip

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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