as in surpassed
to be greater, better, or stronger than
two vaccine developers who spent years vigorously trying to outdo one another's research
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Recent Examples of outdid
Of course, Carly’s kitsch far outdid her neighbors’ in its oddness, luridness, lavishness.
—
Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
Somehow, though, the Royals outdid themselves Monday night with a nauseating defeat — one that conjured the immortal wisdom of former Royals manager Buddy Bell.
—Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2026
In an administration full of SNL cold opens waiting to happen, Pete Hegseth really outdid himself this week — and Colin Jost wasn’t even in the room.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2026
With its substantial political resources and $22 million in spending — perhaps even more — AIPAC far outdid other groups in outside spending in Black and underserved communities.
—Jesse Jackson Jr, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
James outdid himself later in the same game against Cleveland — taking flight to slam a lob from Austin Reaves.
—Megan Armstrong, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
When, in 1941, Rodin performed in an evening of Shakespeare scenes, the émigré newspaper Aufbau raved that his Puck outdid Rooney’s.
—Alex Ross, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
Basically, Bath & Body and Disney really outdid themselves on this collab.
—Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 11 Feb. 2026
Each day somehow outdid the last.
—Sandy Pierre, Refinery29, 29 Jan. 2026
Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
Somehow, though, the Royals outdid themselves Monday night with a nauseating defeat — one that conjured the immortal wisdom of former Royals manager Buddy Bell.
—Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2026
In an administration full of SNL cold opens waiting to happen, Pete Hegseth really outdid himself this week — and Colin Jost wasn’t even in the room.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2026
With its substantial political resources and $22 million in spending — perhaps even more — AIPAC far outdid other groups in outside spending in Black and underserved communities.
—Jesse Jackson Jr, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
James outdid himself later in the same game against Cleveland — taking flight to slam a lob from Austin Reaves.
—Megan Armstrong, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
When, in 1941, Rodin performed in an evening of Shakespeare scenes, the émigré newspaper Aufbau raved that his Puck outdid Rooney’s.
—Alex Ross, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
Basically, Bath & Body and Disney really outdid themselves on this collab.
—Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 11 Feb. 2026
Each day somehow outdid the last.
—Sandy Pierre, Refinery29, 29 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outdid
Verb
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The national debt has surpassed the GDP, Social Security and Medicare face looming financial crises, inflation is rising, families are struggling — and yet Congress does nothing.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 May 2026
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Austin skipped over San Jose for the 12th most populous spot, as Texas' capital city surpassed 1 million residents for the first time.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Maldives National Defence Force The dive far exceeded what was planned for a scientific cruise focused on coral sampling at standard depths, Stella added.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
17 May 2026
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The little rotorcraft far exceeded mission managers' expectations, completing a total of 72 flights over the course of nearly three years.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
17 May 2026
Verb
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Technology needs had also long been eclipsed; Kehillat Israel has been live-streaming its services since the pandemic.—
Rachel Kraus,
Los Angeles Times,
20 May 2026
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Along came Shein, the Chinese retailer that’s eclipsed the likes of Zara and H&M to become the dominant global purveyor of fast fasion.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
18 May 2026
Verb
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Earnings of 38 cents per share, excluding items, topped the FactSet consensus estimate of 31 cents per share.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
19 May 2026
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Sasha Miller contributed five goals, two assists and four draw controls as Beverly topped Andover, 15-12.—
Tyler McManus,
Boston Herald,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Outdid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outdid. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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