outwit

verb

out·​wit ˌau̇t-ˈwit 

outwitted; outwitting

transitive verb

1

: to get the better of by superior cleverness : outsmart

2

archaic : to surpass in wisdom

Synonyms of outwit

• outsmart
• outmaneuver
• thwart
• deceive
• defeat
• overcome
• outfox
• fool
• outthink

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

Bob Markle was good at outwitting violators. — Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026

In Toronto, the raccoons are in a race to outwit humans as urban wildlife managers try to design animal-proof trash bins. — Daniel T. Blumstein, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2026

Out of the first 3,000 participants, only three adults managed to outwit the kids and win the million-dollar grand prize. — Greg Petro, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026

Similar storm-clouds are now gathering around Sánchez, a canny politician known for outwitting his opponents. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 21 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for outwit

• acquit
• admit
• armpit
• backlit
• befit
• cockpit
• commit
• dalit
• dendrite
• emit
• illite
• misfit

Kids Definition

outwit

verb

out·​wit au̇t-ˈwit 

outwitted; outwitting

: to get the better of by cleverness