outstrip

verb

out·​strip ˌau̇t-ˈstrip 

outstripped; outstripping; outstrips

transitive verb

1

: to go faster or farther than

2

: to get ahead of

has civilization outstripped the ability of its users to use it?

—Margaret Mead

Synonyms

• beat
• better
• eclipse
• exceed
• excel
• outclass
• outdistance
• outdo
• outgun
• outmatch
• outshine
• overtop
• surpass
• top
• tower (over)
• transcend

Choose the Right Synonym for outstrip

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 outstrip in a Sentence

The new hotel outstrips all other hotels in the area in size and luxury.

The fullback outstripped the defenders and scored a touchdown.

Recent Examples on the Web

The commonwealth's two largest counties, Jefferson and Fayette, are the only two locales where Democratic nominees outstripped their Republican opponent in 2016 and 2020. —Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 5 Nov. 2024

If anything, the GameCube controller's success far outstripped that of the console itself. —Matt Kamen, WIRED, 3 Nov. 2024

These rentals have emerged as lucrative opportunities for property owners, particularly those in tourism areas, where short-term rates often outstrip traditional leases. —Andrew Leahey, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

Anime earns the biggest share of its revenues in Japan from related products, with characters licensed to Pachinko gaming firms exceeding streaming revenues and far outstripping TV or theatrical revenues. —Patrick Frater, Variety, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

out- + obsolete strip to move fast

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

outstrip

verb

out·​strip -ˈstrip 

outstripped; outstripping

1

: to go faster or farther than

outstripped the other runners

2

a

: excel

outstripped all rivals

b

: exceed sense 1

demand outstrips supply