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
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 plot might seem repetitive, going back and forth between Violet trying to follow the anonymous rules and worming her way out of them to seek help (only to be outsmarted), but the movie’s exciting, stage-like formal flourishes and its disorienting lensing keep things moving smoothly. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 10 Mar. 2025 Whether or not the owner can outsmart her snack-savvy puppy remains to be shared on their profile. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025 But in this sweaty, smoky shootout, filmed in 100-degree Louisiana weather, Terry outsmarts rather than outmuscles, and outmaneuvers rather than outshoots. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025 However, his TikTok video from early this week revealed that his tiny dog outsmarted the rules. David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outsmart

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of outsmart was in 1924

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outsmart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outsmart. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

outsmart

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