There are several synonyms for the phrase "is one step ahead of." Some of them include "outpaces," "surpasses," "outshines," "outstrips," and "exceeds." These words imply that one thing or person is better or more advanced than another. They are often used in competitive environments such as sports, business, and academics, where being one step ahead of the competition can make all the difference. Whether you're striving to be the best or simply trying to stay ahead of the curve, using these synonyms can add depth and variety to your language and help convey your message more effectively.