outsmart

verb

out·​smart ˌau̇t-ˈsmärt How to pronounce outsmart (audio)
outsmarted; outsmarting; outsmarts

transitive verb

: to get the better of
especially : outwit

Examples of outsmart in a Sentence

The government must gather large amounts of information in order to outsmart its enemies. an inexpensive security system that would likely be outsmarted by anyone with a serious interest in circumventing it
Recent Examples on the Web Dwight then outsmarts Caolan Waltrip (Ritchie Coster), leader of a rival gang, resulting in Caolan’s death during a bar fight, eliminating his immediate threats. Maddie Garfinkle, Peoplemag, 28 June 2024 Utility is now trying to outsmart them June 5, 2024 On Monday afternoon, employees at the city reservoir discovered that someone had crossed a security perimeter at the storage site. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2024 Sajak will reportedly portray Roy Flemming, a psychiatrist with a sinister plan to murder his wife, while Moore will play Lt. Columbo, the detective who outsmarts him. Evan Rosen, New York Daily News, 6 June 2024 Realistically, how is the Doctor supposed to overpower or outsmart the living embodiment of music? Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 10 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for outsmart 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'outsmart.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of outsmart was in 1924

Dictionary Entries Near outsmart

Cite this Entry

“Outsmart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outsmart. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

outsmart

verb
out·​smart (ˈ)au̇t-ˈsmärt How to pronounce outsmart (audio)
: outwit

More from Merriam-Webster on outsmart

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