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.
Wherever fear has replaced curiosity, wherever people have stopped listening, wherever power has outrun wisdom. — Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026 Like Jonah, Jay confronts the possibility that divine will, fate, or whatever governs the universe cannot be outrun. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, Musk kept outrunning the movie with his controversial behavior. — Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026 Move too quickly and organizations burn out, make avoidable mistakes, or outrun their capabilities. — Harvard Business Review, 29 Sep. 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 20 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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