outsmart

verb

out·​smart ˌau̇t-ˈsmärt How to pronounce outsmart (audio)
outsmarted; outsmarting; outsmarts

transitive verb

: to get the better of
especially : outwit

Examples of outsmart in a Sentence

The government must gather large amounts of information in order to outsmart its enemies. an inexpensive security system that would likely be outsmarted by anyone with a serious interest in circumventing it
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.
Marty Muggle-Wump is part of the clever monkey duo determined to outsmart their vile captors, perfectly voiced by Timothy Simons. Jane Lacroix, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025 Invite critiques to maintain humility Nicholas likes to tell his team that loyalty in retail is just the absence of something better, and he is driven by a fear of rivals like Costco outsmarting his business. Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 17 Oct. 2025 Successive Iranian rulers believed that dams, deep wells, and inter-basin transfers could outsmart geography and climate. Nik Kowsar, Time, 2 Oct. 2025 Body wallet To outsmart Air France’s 12-kilogram carry-on cap, try strapping as much to your body. Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outsmart

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of outsmart was in 1924

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outsmart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outsmart. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

outsmart

verb
out·​smart (ˈ)au̇t-ˈsmärt How to pronounce outsmart (audio)
: outwit
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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