Synonyms of outstrip

outstrip

verb

ˌau̇t-ˈstrip 

as in to exceed

to be greater, better, or stronger than

before he had reached his teens, the child prodigy had outstripped his music teacher's abilities

Synonyms & Similar Words

• exceed
• surpass
• eclipse
• better
• top
• outdo
• outdistance
• transcend
• outshine
• excel
• beat
• outmatch
• outclass
• outpace
• overcome
• overtop
• overshadow
• outgun
• tower (over)
• master
• outweigh
• outrun
• defeat
• go one better
• best
• surmount
• run circles around
• worst
• one-up
• outperform
• subdue
• conquer
• outcompete
• outrace
• win (against)
• prevail (over)
• trump
• triumph (over)
• rout
• clobber
• lick
• trounce
• shame
• crush
• trim
• overmatch
• whip
• thrash
• overbear
• overpass
• outbalance
• drub
• wallop
• skunk

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lose (to)

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

Recent Examples of outstrip

On Wednesday, the nonpartisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities released data through February showing that the reduction in Arizona has far outstripped other states. —Nicole Santa Cruz, ProPublica, 8 Apr. 2026

In Florida, stratospheric costs of building and running the rail line vastly outstrip revenues. —Jon Wertheim, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026

The Augustine Committee, chaired by retired aerospace executive Norman Augustine, found that the agency’s ambitions outstripped its limited budget, leading to significant delays. —Emily A. Margolis, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026

Applications outstripped available funding every year, even after the Biden administration significantly increased the pot of money. —Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 30 Mar. 2026