outplay

verb

out·​play ˌau̇t-ˈplā 

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

Doing it for a guy who was closer to average last year and got outplayed by his backup is probably downright foolish. — Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 22 July 2026

While Peter is younger and a more recent entrant into the NBA, Slawson outplayed him in summer league and earned his spot with the Pacers. — Tony East, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Spain outplayed the Albiceleste from the opening whistle at MetLife Stadium, where the overwhelming majority of 80,663 were hoping for a recoronation. — Ronald Blum, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026

Brooklyn set the tone early, outplaying Sacramento from the opening tip. — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for outplay

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• assez
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway

Kids Definition

outplay

verb

out·​play

(ˈ)au̇t-ˈplā

: to play better than