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.
Get savvy Job seekers are using AI to try and outsmart the hiring process, and recruiters are starting to catch on. Byemma Burleigh, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2024 Use your charm and intelligence to outsmart anyone who is challenging you. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2024 Having been outsmarted, Aemond and Criston need a new strategy. James Grebey, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2024 Instead of trying to outsmart the market, focus on building a long-term strategy that promotes growth over time. Gianluca Sidoti, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near outsmart

Cite this Entry

“Outsmart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outsmart. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

outsmart

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

More from Merriam-Webster on outsmart

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!