Synonym Chooser

How does the verb outstrip contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of outstrip are exceed, excel, outdo, surpass, and transcend. While all these words mean "to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree," outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

When is exceed a more appropriate choice than outstrip?

Although the words exceed and outstrip have much in common, exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.

exceed the speed limit

When would excel be a good substitute for outstrip?

In some situations, the words excel and outstrip are roughly equivalent. However, excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

excels in mathematics

Where would outdo be a reasonable alternative to outstrip?

While the synonyms outdo and outstrip are close in meaning, outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

outdid herself this time

When might surpass be a better fit than outstrip?

The meanings of surpass and outstrip largely overlap; however, surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

the book surpassed our expectations

When can transcend be used instead of outstrip?

The words transcend and outstrip can be used in similar contexts, but transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.

transcended the values of their culture

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of outstrip Hopes for relief For decades, demand for housing has outstripped supply nationwide. Bryan Mena, CNN, 16 Jan. 2025 The Energy Information Administration sees global supply outstripping demand growth over the next two years. Ben Geman, Axios, 15 Jan. 2025 Popular on Variety As a recording artist, Montag was an enthusiastic music aspirant whose gift for holding the camera’s gaze outstripped other pop-star job requirements. Daniel D'addario, Variety, 13 Jan. 2025 With the rapid growth of cloud services, 5G and AI, the demand for these facilities is outstripping supply. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for outstrip 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outstrip
Verb
  • In many cases, though, the payments proposed in the email would far exceed that sum.
    Chris Cameron, New York Times, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Many employees in our restaurants routinely earn $25 to $40 per hour, far exceeding the minimum wage.
    Nicole Ayala, New York Daily News, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Wiggins surpassed his previous career high of 28 points.
    Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 2 Feb. 2025
  • Layoffs and unemployment rates are low despite elevated interest rates and inflation, and U.S. employers surpassed analyst expectations by adding 256,000 jobs in December. Need a break?
    Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Sly Stone's struggles with cocaine have been well documented, even, at times, eclipsing his achievements as an artist.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 24 Jan. 2025
  • What is clear is that faith in international markets has been replaced by fear of international rivalry, and national security now eclipsing economic growth as a concern.
    Laurent Belsie, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Szoboszlai is on course to better those numbers this season, with his goal against Ipswich his third in the league and fourth of the season overall, alongside five assists in all competitions.
    Andy Jones, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Accept criticism gracefully and apply it to better yourself.
    Sho Dewan, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near outstrip

Cite this Entry

“Outstrip.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstrip. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on outstrip

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