outlive

verb

out·​live ˌau̇t-ˈliv How to pronounce outlive (audio)
outlived; outliving; outlives
Synonyms of outlivenext

transitive verb

1
: to live beyond or longer than
outlived most of his friends
outlive its usefulness
2
: to survive the effects of
Universities … outlive many political and social changes.—J. B. Conant

Synonyms of outlive

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Examples of outlive in a Sentence

No mother wants to outlive her children. He outlived his wife by 10 years.
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.
But the trick outlived its originator. — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 23 June 2026 For most heritage maisons, the creative legacy means the brand reputation outlives their eponymous founders. — Vogue Business, Vogue, 3 June 2026 American retirees are likely to outlive their savings in 41 states, according to a new report. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 26 June 2026 Annuities For retirees who are more worried about outliving their money than chasing growth, an annuity could be a smart option. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for outlive

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outlive was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing outlive

Rhymes for outlive

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Browse Nearby Words

outline stitch
outlive
outlive one's usefulness
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Cite this Entry

“Outlive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outlive. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

outlive

verb
out·​live (ˈ)au̇t-ˈliv How to pronounce outlive (audio)
: to live longer than : outlast

More from Merriam-Webster on outlive

Nglish: Translation of outlive for Spanish Speakers

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