outwit

verb

out·​wit ˌau̇t-ˈwit 

outwitted; outwitting

transitive verb

1

: to get the better of by superior cleverness : outsmart

2

archaic : to surpass in wisdom

Synonyms

• fox
• outfox
• outmaneuver
• outslick
• outsmart
• outthink
• overreach

Examples of outwit in a Sentence

The fox managed to outwit the hunter by hiding in a tree.

They thought they had outwitted the new teacher.

Recent Examples on the Web

Australian Survivor involves outwitting, outplaying, and outlasting all of the other contestants through mental and physical challenges that take place on remote islands. —Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 12 Mar. 2025

By the end, Dylan had outwitted, outplayed, and outlasted the most seasoned gamers, emerging victorious as a Faithful alongside Gabby Windey, Dolores Catania, and Lord Ivar Mountbatten. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2025

To kick off the reality competition show's season 48, out on Feb. 26, here are the best Survivor seasons that outwit, outlast and outplay the rest. —Skyler Trepel, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025

Myles Turner has outwitted, outplayed and outlasted. —Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for outwit

• acquit
• admit
• amrit
• armpit
• backlit
• befit
• cockpit
• commit
• dalit
• dendrite
• emit
• illite

Kids Definition

outwit

verb

out·​wit au̇t-ˈwit 

outwitted; outwitting

: to get the better of by cleverness