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 of outrun

• exceed
• surpass

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

This season, coach Arne Slot’s side have become a soft touch, easily played through and often outrun. —Gregg Evans, New York Times, 13 May 2026

The possibility of uncertain thought, where the speed of the pen outruns the fine control in the effort to write as fast as one thinks, and one gains a productive illegibility. —Literary Hub, 12 May 2026

While Anna tries to outrun her demons, her focus turns to solving crimes that have taken place within national park grounds, no matter who or what gets in her way. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 11 May 2026

Brown bears — which can weigh up to 1,100 pouds and outrun a human — are found only in the main northern island of Hokkaido. —CBS News, 8 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for outrun

• begun
• grandson
• gudrun
• handgun
• homespun
• outdone
• pashtun
• redone
• rerun
• shotgun
• someone
• stepson

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