Outscores those on all sides today (4)

I believe the answer is:

tops

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'sides today' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with fundamental existence as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tops that I've seen before include "Betters" , "The Four -, Motown group" , "The best" , "Max - spinning toys" , "First-class" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times.

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