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Definitions

run circles around

VERB
exceed
Synonyms
STRONGEST
eclipse outpace outstrip top
STRONG
beat best better cap distance excel outdo outrun outshine overstep overtake overtax pass surmount transcend
WEAK
break record get upper hand go beyond go by have a jump on have advantage have it all over out-distance outreach rise above
Antonyms
STRONGEST
fall behind
STRONG
fail lose surrender
WEAK
be inferior
VERB
foil
Synonyms
STRONGEST
counter curb elude frustrate hinder nullify prevent thwart
STRONG
baffle balk beat bilk bollix buffalo check checkmate crab cramp crimp dash defeat disappoint disconcert ditch dodge duck faze juke outwit rattle restrain shake skip stop stymie
WEAK
foul up get around give the runaround give the slip hang up run rings around shake off shuffle off throw monkey wrench in upset the apple cart
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid allow assist encourage facilitate forward help
STRONG
abet calm face inspirit liberate lose meet placate release soothe surrender
VERB
outwit/outsmart
Synonyms
WEAK
baffle bamboozle beat bewilder cap cheat circumvent con confuse deceive defeat defraud dupe end-run fake out finagle fox gull have hoax hoodwink lead astray make a fool of make a monkey of mislead outdo outfox outgeneral outguess outjockey outmaneuver outthink overreach pull a fast one on put one over on swindle take in top trick worst
VERB
overwhelm
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bewilder confound confuse demoralize destroy disturb dumbfound overcome overpower puzzle shock stun surprise swamp upset
STRONG
downgrade drown floor kill prostrate shatter stagger steamroller subordinate wreck
WEAK
blow out of the water bowl over do in render speechless
Antonyms
STRONGEST
clarify clear up comfort enlighten explain order organize surrender yield
STRONG
aid assist create help
WEAK
not impress underwhelm
VERB
top
Synonyms
STRONGEST
beat eclipse exceed outstrip total
STRONG
bash best better clobber excel finagle fox outdo outfox outshine overrun transcend
WEAK
be first blow away fake out go beyond shut out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
fall behind
STRONG
fail lose surrender
WEAK
descend drop
VERB
whip
Synonyms
STRONGEST
beat blast overpower rout thrash trounce
STRONG
best clobber conquer drub hammer kill lambaste lick outdo overcome overrun overwhelm steamroller subdue trim vanquish wallop wax whomp worst
WEAK
mop up put away take apart top
Antonyms
STRONGEST
lose surrender
STRONG
fail give up retreat yield
VERB
win
Synonyms
STRONGEST
achieve beat edge out gain overcome prevail triumph upset
STRONG
conquer overwhelm sink
WEAK
be first be victorious carry the day come in first finish in front finish off gain victory shut out take the prize walk away with walk off with
Antonyms
STRONGEST
fail forfeit lose miss surrender

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Connoisseurs of robotic vacuums say cheaper, fancier competitors have run circles around the brand, which became better known for mishaps than clean floors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 12, 2026

The dryer whirs soft, the fluffy smell of chemical flora rises, the badass little kids with silver teeth run circles around their mom while she folds their Spiderman T-shirts.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2024

“I think his values, his work ethic, his ability to just run circles around everyone with regards to policy and pushing forward,” the South Carolina Republican told CBS’ “Face the Nation.”

From Washington Times • Oct. 9, 2023

HAZELIP: I can run circles around you, kid.

From New York Times • Jun. 7, 2023

They took it personally when someone who could obviously run circles around the rest of the class completely refused to play the game.

From "The Great Gilly Hopkins" by Katherine Paterson