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.
On Friday, the Sabres weren’t drastically outplayed by the Penguins. Matthew Fairburn, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025 They were completely outplayed for most of the day and must find answers quickly or their playoff run will be short-lived. Rob Reischel, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024 The Niners were roundly outplayed, but defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen was out-schemed, too. Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 24 Nov. 2024 Both have outplayed expectations through the first half of the season and are in a strong position to reach the SEC Championship game on Dec. 7. Chase Goodbread, The Tennessean, 23 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near outplay

Cite this Entry

“Outplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outplay. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

outplay

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