as in to outsmart
to get the better of through cleverness
a plan to outwit their opponents at their own game
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of outwit
Twenty-six years ago, students treated a visit by then-President Bill Clinton as a challenge, and outwitted the Secret Service by secretly rigging a banner to unfurl at an inopportune moment.
—
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
26 Apr. 2026
In Toronto, the raccoons are in a race to outwit humans as urban wildlife managers try to design animal-proof trash bins.
—
Daniel T. Blumstein,
The Conversation,
8 Apr. 2026
Bob Markle was good at outwitting violators.
—
Dave Duffey,
Outdoor Life,
26 Mar. 2026
And as methods of applying for and using these government programs have steadily moved online in the last decade, fraud experts say the gangs committing fraud on a massive scale have outwitted attempts to stop them.
—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for outwit
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
26 Apr. 2026
In Toronto, the raccoons are in a race to outwit humans as urban wildlife managers try to design animal-proof trash bins.
—
Daniel T. Blumstein,
The Conversation,
8 Apr. 2026
Bob Markle was good at outwitting violators.
—
Dave Duffey,
Outdoor Life,
26 Mar. 2026
And as methods of applying for and using these government programs have steadily moved online in the last decade, fraud experts say the gangs committing fraud on a massive scale have outwitted attempts to stop them.
—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for outwit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outwit
Verb
-
The world’s leading superpower was outsmarted by Iran, perhaps because Iran’s secretary of defense took his job seriously.
-
Meanwhile, Tyreese is outsmarted by the Terminus Tiger Fan, who grabs baby Judith and threatens to snap her neck unless Tyreese walks unarmed into a herd of walkers outside.
Verb
-
Novo and Lilly have sought to outmaneuver one another with price cuts for cash-paying customers whose insurance plans don't cover the medications.
-
The series will also recreate pivotal moments from Carlos’ life, while Carr examines how Carlos outmaneuvered intelligence services before being captured.
Verb
-
The group’s open letter calls on Bonta to take action to thwart the Ellison expansion effort.
-
Nicolas Pepe had a shot from roughly 10 yards out that was thwarted by Norway goalkeeper Orjan Haskjold Nyland with his leg.
Verb
-
Appearance, though, can be deceiving, but luckily, this shed is still packed with smart features and a clever design that will keep all your belongings safe.
-
Here, however, the joke is that appearances can be deceiving — or to be more specific, that trying to act like a character in a movie is a reckless, unwise thing to do.
Verb
-
Egypt defeated Australia 4-2 in a penalty-kick shootout Friday after the teams played to a 1-1 tie after 120 minutes in Arlington, Texas.
-
The short version is that after defeating the Kilrathi at the climax of Wing Commander 3, Mark Hamill’s Christopher Blair retires to a backwater world to live out a life in peace and obscurity.
Verb
-
The rookie point guard overcame early shooting struggles to lead all scorers with 25 points.
-
The telecommunications giant’s fight to end landline service is playing out in the FCC and federal court, amid an underlying battle over how much power the agency has to overcome decisions by states.
Verb
-
Hansi Flick stands in the iconic ground’s dugout, and a Mourinho believed to be past his best would have to find a way to outfox the German and unravel his high-scoring outfit with a defensive high line.
-
But even foxes can outfox themselves by their own designs.
Verb
-
Don’t be fooled by their jaw-dropping price; the flats boast a luxe look thanks to their low profile and—of course—glove silhouette.
-
The fluffy blooms on mimosa trees (Albizia julibrissin) look pretty in pink, but don’t be fooled by their dainty appearance.
Cite this Entry
“Outwit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outwit. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
