outrun

verb

out·​run ˌau̇t-ˈrən How to pronounce outrun (audio)
outran ˌau̇t-ˈran How to pronounce outrun (audio) ; outrun; outrunning
Synonyms of outrunnext

transitive verb

1
: to run faster than
2
: exceed, surpass
his ambitions outrun his abilities

Synonyms of outrun

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Examples of outrun in a Sentence

The rabbit had no chance of outrunning the dogs. His motorcycle could outrun any car on the road.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Did Stevens outrun the final polls, in part, because some Democrats thought El-Sayed’s supporters were obnoxious? — David Weigel, semafor.com, 5 Aug. 2026 What The Industry Owes Enterprises​ The pace of AI adoption has outrun the guardrails that vendors and standards bodies have shipped, and enterprises are absorbing the cost. — Nidhi Jain, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Worthy outran Kader Kohou for a score that got a rise from the fans in attendance. — Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026 In the $200,000 San Clemente Handicap 35-1 longshot Somerset West (Armando Ayuso) outran nine other 3-year-old fillies, including three formidable challengers who shipped in from the east. — Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for outrun

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outrun was in 1526

Rhymes for outrun

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Browse Nearby Words

outrow
outrun
outrunner
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Cite this Entry

“Outrun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outrun. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

outrun

verb
out·​run (ˈ)au̇t-ˈrən How to pronounce outrun (audio)
outran -ˈran How to pronounce outrun (audio) ; outrun; outrunning
1
: to run or go faster than
2
: exceed sense 1
our needs outran our funds
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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