outrun

verb

out·​run ˌau̇t-ˈrən 

outran ˌau̇t-ˈran  ; outrun; outrunning

transitive verb

1

: to run faster than

2

: exceed, surpass

his ambitions outrun his abilities

Synonyms

• break
• exceed
• outreach
• overpass
• overreach
• overrun
• overshoot
• overstep
• surpass
• transcend

Examples of outrun in a Sentence

The rabbit had no chance of outrunning the dogs.

His motorcycle could outrun any car on the road.

Recent Examples on the Web

Even accounting for this, though, Democrats had stronger incumbents than Republicans did: 10 Democratic senators outran Harris by more than 3 points, while only two Republican senators (John Barrasso and Pete Ricketts) outran Trump by more than that amount. —Nathaniel Rakich, ABC News, 10 Jan. 2025

This latest teaser is more general in scope, revealing few plot points but giving us glimpses of our new characters: Abby weeping over a grave, Ellie and Dina slow-dancing (and then outrunning a horde of infected), and a brief glimpse of Isaac by a campfire. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 7 Jan. 2025

During his time in Tampa Bay, Mayfield has outrun skeptics and haters. —John Romano, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2025

In the meantime, millions of people are struggling with medical debt as the costs of care continue to outrun inflation. —Alexandra Byrne, NBC News, 28 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

outrun

verb

out·​run (ˈ)au̇t-ˈrən 

outran -ˈran  ; outrun; outrunning

1

: to run or go faster than

2

: exceed sense 1

our needs outran our funds