one-up

verb

Definition of one-upnext
as in to outdo

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of one-up This also is a chance for Chicago to one-up New York, which, despite rebuilding its airports, has no such direct train at any of the three airports controlled by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 The smartest thing The Pitt did in its second season was not try to one-up its first. — Samantha Highfill, Entertainment Weekly, 6 July 2026 Overall, this is a rather fascinating deal between division rivals attempting to one-up one another in the Atlantic. — James Mirtle, New York Times, 1 July 2026 After signing a top-five class last cycle, Freeman and the Irish are looking to one-up their efforts, currently holding the silver medal spot in 2027. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for one-up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for one-up
  1. outdo
  2. outrun
  3. outpace
  4. better
  5. outrace
  6. outshine
  7. surpass
  8. transcend
Verb
  • And the filmmaker really outdoes himself with a major set piece toward the end, when Matt enters a crowded nightclub in search of Markos and wreaks murderous havoc while shape-shifting from one persona to another.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Not to be outdone, TJ Magee recovered a muffed punt to set up a short UMass touchdown.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of outdo
Verb
  • 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
Definition of outrun
Verb
  • With a week left before the midterm election, a significant number of Johnson County voters have already cast their ballots — vastly outpacing early voting totals during the 2022 midterm election cycle.
    — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The problem is that their PR ambitions continue to outpace their professional accomplishments.
    — Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of outpace
Verb
  • Forty-three percent of US adults say the federal government is effective at bettering people’s lives, down from 51% in 2025, according to a new Bentley University-Gallup survey.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 21 Oct. 2026
  • In the meantime, however, humankind was not there to be bettered.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of better
Verb
  • Chambliss hits Alexander in stride, allowing the speedy receiver to outrace pursuit to the end zone.
    — Dane Brugler, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Navarro outraced the defense to a through ball played ahead by Paxten Aaronson and beat goalkeeper Drake Callender one on one from near the penalty spot to give the Rapids a 1-0 lead.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 May 2026
Definition of outrace
Verb
  • Nothing like Paris, where small, historic hotels, many renovated in recent years, sometimes even manage to outshine the grande dames.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026
  • If Henderson can outshine the bigger names, the Brewers could be OK.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of outshine
Verb
  • Jay Ajayi ties an NFL record by surpassing 200 yards rushing for the second game in a row, helping the Miami Dolphins rally past the Buffalo Bills 28-25.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Although prices reached record highs for 2026, the statewide average for regular gasoline has not yet surpassed that all-time record.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of surpass
Verb
  • Though the tableaux depict hardships endured by a painter born in 1593, Artemisia, the impressions convey yearning, grief, suffering and resilience that transcend centuries.
    — Tara Anne Dalbow, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Barrington talked about his standout installation at this year’s Venice Biennale, Labor Day Parade ’91, and how it was born out of a desire to transcend the way art communicates.
    — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of transcend

Browse Nearby Words

one-twos
one-up
one-upped
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“One-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/one-up. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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