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.
As expected, the 13-inch MacBook Air outran the Googlebook group by a country mile in both single-core and multi-core speeds on GeekBench. — Joe Osborne, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026 Robots may one day outrun people, yet the Olympic 100 meter races will still be held and audiences will still be moved. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026 But Collins, who is running for a sixth term, has a history of surviving tough reelection battles and outrunning other Republicans. — Taurean Small, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026 Concerns that the administration is outrunning the courts The judges’ frustrations have also centered on the speed with which the administration is pushing ahead on the projects with little regard for the approvals needed to pursue such work. — Gary Fields, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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
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