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outdo

verb
out·​do | \ ËŒau̇t-ˈdü How to pronounce outdo (audio) \
outdid\ ËŒau̇t-​ˈdid How to pronounce outdid (audio) \; outdone\ ËŒau̇t-​ˈdÉ™n How to pronounce outdone (audio) \; outdoing\ ËŒau̇t-​ˈdü-​iÅ‹ How to pronounce outdoing (audio) \; outdoes\ ËŒau̇t-​ˈdÉ™z How to pronounce outdoes (audio) \

Definition of outdo

transitive verb

1 : to go beyond in action or performance
2 : defeat, overcome
Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about outdo

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Choose the Right Synonym for outdo

exceed, surpass, transcend, excel, outdo, outstrip mean to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree. exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement. exceed the speed limit surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill. the book surpassed our expectations transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits. transcended the values of their culture excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others. excels in mathematics outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before. outdid herself this time outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition. outstripped other firms in sales

Examples of outdo in a Sentence

Smaller companies often outdo larger ones in customer service. My sister always tried to outdo me in school. She scored 20 points in the first game. Not to be outdone, I scored 30 points myself in the second game.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Many privacy-conscious Austrians don’t like leaving records of their spending by using credit cards all the time (as is the case in Germany, too) and parties are now trying to outdo each other on the hard-currency front. — David Meyer, Fortune, "A Stagflationary Shock: CEO Daily," 26 Aug. 2019 Not to be outdone by Ingrassia was his partner-in-crime in the backfield, junior running back Mateo Perez, who dazzled in his own right, totaling three touchdowns and 193 all-purpose yards, 176 of which came on the ground. — Justice Delos Santos, The Mercury News, "Football: Marin Catholic’s young QB too much for El Cerrito," 24 Aug. 2019 All day, the various Democratic presidential campaigns tried to outdo each other to get attention. — James Pindell, BostonGlobe.com, "Trump returns to N.H. for Manchester rally," 15 Aug. 2019 She's just outdone herself with the lyricism which is saying a lot because Taylor is like known for having incredible lyrics. — Jasmine Gomez, Seventeen, "Fans Think That Taylor Swift's New Album "Lover" May Include a Collab With Selena Gomez and Katy Perry," 6 Aug. 2019 Audiences can discover fairies frolicking in the park, swans twirling in tutus, tap dancers paying a tribute to history and hip-hop crews from all over the world, daring to outdo each other. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Summer arts 2019 | Dance: PGK Dance Project, Mojalet Dance Collective, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet and more," 16 June 2019 That would be the Wolf Pack, which trailed Texas by 14 on Friday and outdid itself absurdly on Sunday. — Chuck Culpepper, chicagotribune.com, "Nevada is the unkillable zombie of the NCAA tournament's haunted graveyard region," 18 Mar. 2018 Not to be outdone by Rubio, Manotas scored again five minutes later. — Glynn A. Hill, Houston Chronicle, "Dynamo rally to draw against Rapids," 17 Aug. 2019 Not to be outdone by anyone, then-Ohio Gov. John Kasich wolfed down not one but three pork chops at the must-stop Iowa Pork Producers complex. — Thomas Beaumont, Fortune, "Iowa State Fair: Where U.S. Politics and Fried Oreos Intersect," 8 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'outdo.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of outdo

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for outdo

outdo

verb
How to pronounce outdo (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of outdo

: to do better than (someone or something) : to be more successful than (someone or something)

See the full definition for outdo in the English Language Learners Dictionary

outdo

verb
out·​do | \ au̇t-ˈdü How to pronounce outdo (audio) \
outdid\ -​ˈdid \; outdone\ -​ˈdÉ™n \; outdoing\ -​ˈdü-​iÅ‹ \; outdoes\ -​ˈdÉ™z \

Kids Definition of outdo

: to do better than : surpass He always tries to outdo everyone.

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More from Merriam-Webster on outdo

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with outdo

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for outdo

Spanish Central: Translation of outdo

Nglish: Translation of outdo for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of outdo for Arabic Speakers

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