Synonyms

outdo

American

[out-doo] / ˌaʊtˈdu /

verb (used with object)

outdid, outdone, outdoing

to surpass in execution or performance.

The cook outdid himself last night.

outdo British

/ ˌaʊtˈduː /

verb

(tr) to surpass or exceed in performance or execution

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See excel.

Etymology

Origin of outdo

First recorded in 1600–20; out-, do ¹

Explanation

To outdo is to beat or surpass: when you outdo your brother in a pie-eating contest, you manage to gobble down more lemon meringue than he does. You'll probably regret it later, but at least you'll have that blue ribbon! Anyone who outdoes another person wins against them in some contest, whether it's an actual competition or an unstated rivalry. You can also outdo your own record, like when you outdo last semester's grades with the help of all the As you get in English. And you can cheer for your favorite basketball team as they outdo their opponents by easily winning the game.

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The shared goal of Yes members: Outdo themselves, again.

From Slate • Aug. 16, 2012

September 29, 2010 Some House Challengers Outdo Incumbents in Fund-Raising Challengers in 11 House races have raised more money than incumbents, according to an analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics, defying conventional wisdom.

From New York Times • Sep. 29, 2010

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023