outshine

verb

out·​shine ˌau̇t-ˈshīn How to pronounce outshine (audio)
outshone ˌau̇t-ˈshōn How to pronounce outshine (audio)
especially British -ˈshän
 or outshined; outshining
Synonyms of outshinenext

transitive verb

1
a
: to shine brighter than
b
: to excel in splendor or showiness
But among foliage tourists, peak means one day that will outshine all others.—Madeline Drexler
2
: outdo, surpass
… a self-made man with an ego that outshone his rhinestone-bedazzled … suits.—Sarah Smarsh

intransitive verb

: to shine out

Synonyms of outshine

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Examples of outshine in a Sentence

She outshines all the other actors in the film. the trumpeter outshines all of his fellow band members
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.
These ones do — and some even outshine the movies that inspired them. — Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 24 June 2026 In other words, the moon is not a threat to outshine any of the three planets. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 8 June 2026 Franks will need to outshine Mitchell in training camp and the preseason to regain his fourth tight end spot. — Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2026 If your delivery rates outshine the competition, use those metrics to justify the cost. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for outshine

Word History

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of outshine was in 1585

Rhymes for outshine

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Browse Nearby Words

outsharp
outshine
outshoot
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

outshine

verb
out·​shine (ˈ)au̇t-ˈshīn How to pronounce outshine (audio)
outshone -ˈshōn How to pronounce outshine (audio) ; outshining
1
: to shine brighter than
2
: excel, surpass

More from Merriam-Webster on outshine

Nglish: Translation of outshine for Spanish Speakers

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