as in overtaking
to go or grow faster than (something)
Population growth has continued to outpace job growth for the last several decades. The demand for the product has outpaced the company's ability to produce it.
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Recent Examples of outpacing
However, there is broad consensus that the surge, fueled by enthusiasm around artificial intelligence, can’t last forever and California must address its structural deficit, with spending outpacing revenue collection.
—
Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2026
Our biggest challenge is that the cost of living is outpacing wages.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026
The year-to-year growth is even more pronounced in some new data from Nielsen — which shows every week of The Pitt’s second season outpacing its first, and sometimes more than doubling the same week from season one.
—Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
Foreseeing another challenging fiscal year with rising costs outpacing revenue gains, the Orange City Council is considering three different tax measures to put before voters in the fall.
—Victoria Le, Oc Register, 13 May 2026
Drake Baldwin is outpacing his Rookie of the Year numbers.
—Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 13 May 2026
For The Times) Climate change is outpacing California’s ability to protect vital ecosystems such as redwoods and seagrass meadows.
—Annika Hammerschlag, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
For millions of workers, the spike in prices over the last two months means inflation is now outpacing wage growth, Wall Street analysts noted.
—Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 12 May 2026
The rapid expansion of prediction markets is outpacing existing oversight and does require stronger regulation to protect consumers.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2026
Our biggest challenge is that the cost of living is outpacing wages.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026
The year-to-year growth is even more pronounced in some new data from Nielsen — which shows every week of The Pitt’s second season outpacing its first, and sometimes more than doubling the same week from season one.
—Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
Foreseeing another challenging fiscal year with rising costs outpacing revenue gains, the Orange City Council is considering three different tax measures to put before voters in the fall.
—Victoria Le, Oc Register, 13 May 2026
Drake Baldwin is outpacing his Rookie of the Year numbers.
—Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 13 May 2026
For The Times) Climate change is outpacing California’s ability to protect vital ecosystems such as redwoods and seagrass meadows.
—Annika Hammerschlag, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
For millions of workers, the spike in prices over the last two months means inflation is now outpacing wage growth, Wall Street analysts noted.
—Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 12 May 2026
The rapid expansion of prediction markets is outpacing existing oversight and does require stronger regulation to protect consumers.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outpacing
Verb
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Napoleon Solo, a horse that entered with 7-1 odds and had finished fifth in his last two races, won the Preakness on Saturday, overtaking the favorite Taj Mahal down the stretch while also holding off another strong contender, Iron Honor.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
17 May 2026
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The track in Barcelona is tough for overtaking, with the only real opportunity being at the first corner on each lap.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Marner leads this postseason with 18 points, surpassing his previous career high of 14.—
Jesse Granger,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
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Spain clinches top spot for LGBTIA protections For the first time in a decade, Malta lost its spot atop the rankings, with Spain surpassing the archipelago under the leadership of leftist prime minister, Pedro Sánchez.—
Drew Pittock,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
Verb
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The critical shipping passage has been a key point of the war, driving up gas prices.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
17 May 2026
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Schauffele ranks in the tournament’s top five in both putting and driving, and has hit 28 of 42 fairways this week.—
Brendan Quinn,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Outpacing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outpacing. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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