outwit

verb

out·​wit ˌau̇t-ˈwit How to pronounce outwit (audio)
outwitted; outwitting

transitive verb

1
: to get the better of by superior cleverness : outsmart
2
archaic : to surpass in wisdom

Examples of outwit in a Sentence

The fox managed to outwit the hunter by hiding in a tree. They thought they had outwitted the new teacher.
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.
Virgil van Dijk got outwitted by the combative Rodrigo Muniz for Fulham’s third. James Pearce, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025 Children outwitting their parents in the technology stakes is clearly rife. John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025 But Melissa outwits them all and knocks everyone out by closing the fireplace flue. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2025 Director Kevin Lima dials up the wackiness, and Close follows accordingly, mugging and screeching as Cruella is outwitted by various bumbling dogs and eventually defeated by being baked into a giant cake, somehow. 23. Josh Bell, Vulture, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outwit

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outwit was circa 1630

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outwit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outwit. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

outwit

verb
out·​wit au̇t-ˈwit How to pronounce outwit (audio)
outwitted; outwitting
: to get the better of by cleverness

More from Merriam-Webster on outwit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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