outmaneuver
verb
out·ma·neu·ver
ˌau̇t-mə-ˈn(y)ü-vər 
outmaneuvered; outmaneuvering
: to outdo, defeat, or gain an advantage over by skillful or clever maneuvering : to maneuver more effectively than
Battalions are especially important in desert warfare because they are powerful enough to deliver devastating blows … but small enough to sneak along ridges and valleys to outmaneuver larger forces.—
Bob Davis
Bob Davis… an amorally ambitious studio exec who disposes of a threatening screenwriter as coolly as he outmaneuvers a rival executive.—Gregg Kilday
Gregg KildaySabre pilots learned that if they could force their adversaries to change direction rapidly, the Sabre could outmaneuver them.—Fred Reed
Fred ReedExamples of outmaneuver in a Sentence
outmaneuvered his congressional opponent by co-opting his call for change in Washington
Recent Examples on the Web
Trump, who relies on a model of leadership where all power is centralized in himself while dividing his subordinates against themselves, has always resented individuals who try to outmaneuver him.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 6 June 2025
Darrow, in spite of his powerful oratory, and in spite of outmaneuvering Bryan during their exchange, was up against the fact that Scopes had admitted to teaching evolution, in violation of the Butler Act.
—Dan Falk, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 May 2025
The fights typically begin when the fish are introduced into the arena, with each fish trying to outmaneuver the other through rapid movements and biting.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
The Great Emu War stands as an example of a conflict in history where animals outmaneuvered an army.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for outmaneuver
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Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 6 June 2025
Darrow, in spite of his powerful oratory, and in spite of outmaneuvering Bryan during their exchange, was up against the fact that Scopes had admitted to teaching evolution, in violation of the Butler Act.
—Dan Falk, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 May 2025
The fights typically begin when the fish are introduced into the arena, with each fish trying to outmaneuver the other through rapid movements and biting.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
The Great Emu War stands as an example of a conflict in history where animals outmaneuvered an army.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for outmaneuver
Cite this Entry
“Outmaneuver.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outmaneuver. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
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