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

The Moroccans are coming off a Round of 16 encounter in which they were outplayed by Canada in the opening half, but managed to find the net three times in the final half for a 3-0 result. — Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

But we were outplayed today by a class Australia side who used all their experience in a huge final. — Paul Newman, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Morocco, a semifinalist four years ago, drew with Brazil while outplaying them for long stretches, then dominated Scotland. — Jeremy Ebobisse, Time, 26 June 2026

The final was seen as a contest between Love and the Chiefs' Damian McKenzie for the All Blacks' starting flyhalf role and Love thoroughly outplayed his rival, conducting the Hurricanes' attack adding to his double by kicking seven goals from 10 attempts for an individual tally of 25 points. — ABC News, 20 June 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