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Synonyms

outgun

American  
[out-guhn] / ˌaʊtˈgʌn /

verb (used with object)

outgunned, outgunning
  1. to exceed in firepower.

  2. to outdo or overwhelm, as by superior forces.

    Local manufacturers have been outgunned by the overseas competition.


outgun British  
/ ˌaʊtˈɡʌn /

verb

  1. to surpass in fire power

  2. to surpass in shooting

  3. informal to surpass or excel

"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

Etymology

Origin of outgun

First recorded in 1685–95; out- + gun 1

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.

See Examples For:

It’s also a multinational racing operation hoping to outgun the likes of Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes.

From The Wall Street Journal Mar. 7, 2026

The Austrian, along with teammates Vincent Kriechmayr, Raphael Haaser and Stefan Babinsky, will look to outgun Marco Odermatt's strong Swiss quartet and an Italian team including Giovanni Franzoni and Dominik Paris for Olympic glory.

From Barron's Feb. 6, 2026

Dubois is up against an improved Joshua who will outgun him in too many different departments.

From BBC Sep. 19, 2024

Massa and Bullrich both outgun Milei in terms of followers on X. But on TikTok, popular among younger people, Milei has 1.4 million followers, well ahead of Massa's 43,500 and Bullrich's 215,000.

From Reuters Sep. 20, 2023

After listening to Woolf and Pollard discussing strategy, David Alexander asked them if he could state in print that Seabiscuit would outgun War Admiral for the early lead.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

Lebanon’s government isn’t only impoverished and outgunned, it’s riven by the same sectarian splits as the society as a whole.

From The Wall Street Journal Jun. 9, 2026

Venezuela would be massively outgunned in a conflict with the United States.

From Barron's Oct. 24, 2025

Cambodia has been pushing for a ceasefire since Friday, as its outgunned forces have been driven back by the Thai military.

From BBC Jul. 28, 2025

Plus, Dina and Ellie are outnumbered and outgunned – all the better, since everyone loves underdogs.

From Salon May 26, 2025

Massively outgunned, the Communists made sure they fought when and where they had an advantage, then disappeared.

From "Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam" by Elizabeth Partridge

Some of the most popular titles in the world, such as Fortnite and Call of Duty, are focused on outgunning, outrunning or outclassing opponents.

From BBC Mar. 14, 2025

Milley said that the Russians have “demonstrated that they are outgunning and outranging Ukrainian artillery” so far in fighting in the eastern Donbas region, which has become the primary emphasis in Russian operations.

From Washington Post Jun. 8, 2022

But now that the rotation is further depleted, it’ll be an even taller task for this powerful lineup outgunning a Boston team whose offense has outpaced everyone this postseason.

From Seattle Times Oct. 16, 2021

The Brooklyn Nets were the biggest winners in the East in free agency, signing two of the top players available — and outgunning the New York Knicks to get them.

From Los Angeles Times Oct. 20, 2019

The combined forces of the Central Powers amounted to some two million men, outnumbering the Russians by at least half a million, and outgunning them completely.

From The New Gresham Encyclopedia Volume 4, Part 3: Estremoz to Felspar by Various

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