one-upping

Definition of one-uppingnext
present participle of one-up
See the Dictionary Definition 

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for one-upping
Verb
  • Moffa says the first step in navigating grief is to stop outrunning it.
    Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026
  • George gathers a defensive rebound, and Sarr, who starts this sequence underneath his defensive backboard, sprints upcourt, outrunning his Knicks counterpart, Karl-Anthony Towns.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • As rumors have flown about this relentless Sacramento parking enforcement officer, Nakamura has quietly patrolled the streets, outdoing himself.
    Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The Bruins shot a dominant 58% from the field, well outdoing the solid 43% for the Trojans.
    Sean Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In 2024, the brand sold some 90 million rooms and accounted for nearly $12 billion in revenue for Hilton, according to Bloomberg, significantly outpacing competitors’ receipts.
    Tristan Bove, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Since then, the population on the Broadneck peninsula has grown significantly, outpacing the capacity of the existing building.
    Caroline Foreback, CBS News, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Doe is seeking damages exceeding $75,000, along with other punitive damages and other relief to be determined at trial.
    Lexi Nicklaus, Baltimore Sun, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Both teams had playoff probabilities exceeding 85% just a few weeks ago.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • True to form, on Friday night Richardson went 45-5, fouled and hit 48-8 before surpassing 49 feet on all of his last three jumps.
    Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • After success domestically, some of China’s biggest carmakers are expanding worldwide, with BYD surpassing Ford in global sales last year—while selling only EVs and hybrids.
    Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Driscoll has been seen by Hegseth’s aides as outshining the Defense secretary on prominent policy initiatives.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The quiet ethic often called Minnesota Nice is outshining the intimidation meant to silence dissent.
    Valeng Cha, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The event will celebrate its 25th year on the polo fields in Indio, this time with Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber and Karol G topping the lineup.
    Andrea Domanick, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Plus, the chocolate ganache topping has just a touch of fresh mint flavor.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Trends may come and go at lightning speed, but basics deserve more credit for transcending hype.
    Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 3 Apr. 2026
  • But if these movies are progressive allegories of beings transcending their differences, then Hoppers is a surprisingly blunt pushback to that notion.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“One-upping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/one-upping. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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