OUTDO Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'outdo' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of outdo are exceed , excel , outstrip , surpass , and transcend . While all these words mean "to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree," outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before. // outdid herself this time

Q: When would 'exceed' be a good substitute for 'outdo'?

The words exceed and outdo are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement. // exceed the speed limit

Q: When could 'excel' be used to replace 'outdo'?

In some situations, the words excel and outdo are roughly equivalent. However, excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others. // excels in mathematics

Q: When can 'outstrip' be used instead of 'outdo'?

The meanings of outstrip and outdo largely overlap; however, outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition. // outstripped other firms in sales

Q: When is it sensible to use 'surpass' instead of 'outdo'?

While the synonyms surpass and outdo are close in meaning, surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill. // the book surpassed our expectations

Q: When might 'transcend' be a better fit than 'outdo'?

The synonyms transcend and outdo are sometimes interchangeable, but transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits. // transcended the values of their culture

outdo

verb

ˌau̇t-ˈdü

Definition of outdo

as in to surpass

to be greater, better, or stronger than two vaccine developers who spent years vigorously trying to outdo one another's research

Synonyms & Similar Words

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lose (to)

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How does the verb outdo contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of outdo are exceed, excel, outstrip, surpass, and transcend. While all these words mean "to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree," outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

outdid herself this time

When would exceed be a good substitute for outdo?

The words exceed and outdo are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.

exceed the speed limit

When could excel be used to replace outdo?

In some situations, the words excel and outdo are roughly equivalent. However, excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

excels in mathematics

When can outstrip be used instead of outdo?

The meanings of outstrip and outdo largely overlap; however, outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

When is it sensible to use surpass instead of outdo?

While the synonyms surpass and outdo are close in meaning, surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

the book surpassed our expectations

When might transcend be a better fit than outdo?

The synonyms transcend and outdo are sometimes interchangeable, 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 outdo Only the 27 productions running during the week ending August 16, only Hamilton‘s box office outdid Ragtime, with the former taking in $2,123,135. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026 Compounding the crisis is the fact that airlines are actively resisting standardization in a bid to outdo each other. — Edward Russell, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026 Zoom In IconArrows pointing outwards Not to be outdone, EvercoreISI is also out with a midyear update on its best stock ideas list. — Brian Sullivan, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026 Over the years, India’s blockbusters have sought to outdo each other in budget, especially those in Bollywood and the Telugu film industry. — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outdo

Recent Examples of Synonyms for outdo

Verb

That’s the fastest pace among the 70 large and midsized economies Goldman analyzed, surpassing even Japan during its most intense period of aging from 2000 to 2015.

— Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
Corporate travel buyers have noted that relationship-building activities are becoming the most valuable part of these retreats, surpassing traditional entertainment or giveaways.

— Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of surpass

Verb

The 70% preliminary expectation wildly exceeded projections for fiscal 2028 revenue of roughly $570 billion, or 44% growth from fiscal 2027 (the current year).

— Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
So far, the decline in enrollment at traditional public school number is even greater than last year and exceeds early projections.

— Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of exceed

Verb

Then the attention economy takes over, unleashing too many athletes who speak freely to better themselves rather than a select few who speak bravely to better society.

— Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Parton dedicated her life and career to bettering the world in so many ways, from her Dollywood theme park to her Imagination Library, which has promoted childhood literacy through delivering millions of books to children.

— Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of better

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“Outdo.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outdo. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of outdo

verb

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