outdo

verb

out·​do ˌau̇t-ˈdü How to pronounce outdo (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to go beyond in action or performance
2
Choose the Right Synonym for outdo

exceed, surpass, transcend, excel, outdo, outstrip mean to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree.

exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.

exceed the speed limit

surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

the book surpassed our expectations

transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.

transcended the values of their culture

excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

excels in mathematics

outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

outdid herself this time

outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

Examples of outdo in a Sentence

Smaller companies often outdo larger ones in customer service. My sister always tried to outdo me in school. She scored 20 points in the first game. Not to be outdone, I scored 30 points myself in the second game.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
For example, in 2023, the world's largest wind turbine, with a 260-meter (853-ft) diameter began operating in China, only to be outdone the following year by another monster windmill with a blade diameter of 310 m (1,107 ft). New Atlas, 28 Aug. 2025 Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley are outdone only by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry for the distinction of best quarterback-running back duo in the NFL. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 25 Aug. 2025 On the mound, Royals starter Noah Cameron was not to be outdone. Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2025 Not to be outdone by Venice and TIFF, this year’s New York Film Festival on Tuesday began rolling out its own lineup. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for outdo

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outdo was circa 1616

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outdo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outdo. Accessed 1 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

outdo

verb
out·​do -ˈdü How to pronounce outdo (audio)
outdid -ˈdid How to pronounce outdo (audio) ; outdone -ˈdən How to pronounce outdo (audio) ; outdoing -ˈdü-iŋ How to pronounce outdo (audio)
: to go beyond in achievement or performance

More from Merriam-Webster on outdo

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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