outdo
Americanverb (used with object)
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to surpass in execution or performance.
The cook outdid himself last night.
verb
-
(tr) to surpass or exceed in performance or execution
Related Words
See excel.
Etymology
Origin of outdo
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.
They conclude that it signals toughness—and vow to outdo him.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026
Even in abnormal political times, competition can be healthy, spurring journalists to match or outdo rival outlets.
From Slate • Mar. 18, 2026
Arteta said the two had even taken their competitive spirit to trying to outdo each other in the gym, but were great friends off the pitch.
From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026
"They bring the best out in each other, they know they have to push each other and improve constantly to outdo one another."
From BBC • Nov. 16, 2025
If my sister Rachel and Mr. William Shakespeare put their heads together to invent an extravagant despot, they couldn’t outdo Mobutu.
From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.