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.
But if the Tigers outplay all of their top competitors, including the Blue Jays, by at least one game, the top seed will be theirs. Christian Romo, Freep.com, 10 Sep. 2025 The Cougars were outplayed in every way last week in a 23-6 loss to Crean Lutheran. Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 10 Sep. 2025 Pochettino’s claim After Saturday’s encounter, Pochettino claimed that the Americans outplayed the Koreans, even though the visitors controlled the opening half while scoring both goals. Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 The Panthers were outplayed and outcoached in Jacksonville, losing decisively to a Jaguars team that won just four games in 2024 and has a first-time head coach. Zak Keefer, New York Times, 8 Sep. 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 15 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

outplay

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