outplay

verb

out·​play ˌau̇t-ˈplā How to pronounce outplay (audio)
outplayed; outplaying; outplays

transitive verb

: to play better than
especially : to outdo in playing a game
The Knicks took a 21-point lead in the first half, gave up 18 consecutive points in the third quarter, but outplayed the Kings down the stretch to win … The Times Union (Albany, New York)

Examples of outplay in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Leafs were outplayed by an inferior team The Leafs were chasing the game for most of the night, especially in the first period when the Sharks pelted Joseph Woll with 16 shots. Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 His presence was surely missed in the embarrassing 6-2 loss in Anaheim in which they B’s were thoroughly outplayed from start to finish. Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 28 Mar. 2025 To say that many missed the moment would be an understatement of the obvious: they were shocked late against Panama in the semifinal and then outplayed for most of the consolation game against Canada, losing 2-1. Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025 Spread the money around by investing in high-quality role players around him and a talented bench, and let Joker make the starters better, while our bench outplays the opponent’s every night. Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outplay

Word History

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of outplay was in 1702

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Cite this Entry

“Outplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outplay. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

outplay

verb
out·​play
(ˈ)au̇t-ˈplā
: to play better than
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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