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.
One game after taking a 3-0 first-period lead into the second period until things disintegrated, the Panthers outplayed the Oilers dramatically in the first period Saturday night to carry a 2-0 lead into the second. Michael Russo, New York Times, 15 June 2025 But Haliburton is the Pacers’ engine, and he was significantly outplayed by the game’s other big-name point guard in Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored an efficient 34 points with eight assists. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 9 June 2025 Brunson, outplayed by his point guard counterpart Tuesday, rebounded with his franchise-record 21st postseason game of 30 or more points with the Knicks. Brian Mahoney, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025 And a -1 in point differential after outplaying the Pacers for 47 minutes and change. Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 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 27 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

outplay

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