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.
In the show, Spiridakos’ Anna plays a National Park Service Law Enforcement Ranger at Glacier National Park who solves mysteries while trying to outrun her past. — Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026 Nvidia's $500 billion push will hold up only if the cash flow outruns the aging. — Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026 That could mean that the research continues to outrun regulation for the near future. — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 10 Aug. 2026 Video captured by a tourist on board a boat in northern Botswana showed the heart-pounding moment the vessel had to outrun a charging hippo. — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 8 Aug. 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 16 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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