exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.
exceed the speed limit
surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.
the book surpassed our expectations
transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.
transcended the values of their culture
excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.
excels in mathematics
outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.
outdid herself this time
outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.
outstripped other firms in sales
Example Sentences
Smaller companies often outdo larger ones in customer service. My sister always tried to outdo me in school. She scored 20 points in the first game. Not to be outdone, I scored 30 points myself in the second game.
Recent Examples on the WebWinners are revealed months in advance, which means the only competition comes in performers trying to outdo themselves to pay homage to the honorees. Nancy Kruh, Peoplemag, 26 Aug. 2022 After three games with his new team, the 6-5 guard appears primed to outdo himself as a member of the Wildcats.The Courier-Journal, 13 Aug. 2022 One hectic yet dull scene follows another as the animals seek to outdo one another with a dozen or more kinds of superpowers. Kyle Smith, WSJ, 28 July 2022 Reeves and Stahelski are now back for round four to outdo themselves yet again. Carson Burton, Variety, 22 July 2022 Bartenders vie to outdo one another, adding a variety of toppers including shrimp and cherries. Amy Hubbard, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2022 As this essay was set to go to press, news reports suggest Italy is set to outdo everyone by offering Ukraine both Pzh-2000s and M-109s. Craig Hooper, Forbes, 24 Apr. 2022 That’s because none of the SoC available to Android vendors can outdo the A15 Bionic. Chris Smith, BGR, 14 Mar. 2022 Lott said the increase in such high-profile shootings likely comes down to criminals wanting media attention and killers perhaps wanting to outdo each other with shocking attacks.Fox News, 16 June 2022 See More