outfox

verb

out·​fox ˌau̇t-ˈfäks 

outfoxed; outfoxing; outfoxes

transitive verb

: outsmart

Synonyms of outfox

• outwit
• outsmart
• outmaneuver
• thwart
• deceive
• defeat
• overcome
• fox

Examples of outfox in a Sentence

the prisoners outfoxed the guards by tunneling beneath the prison walls

Recent Examples on the Web

Gauff dug in, matched Badosa’s power, and outfoxed her when the opportunities arose. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Both candidates attempted to court voters by outfoxing each other in their support of the then-former president and the race became increasingly negative. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026

Whenever Rebecca can outfox him, Rupert manages to manipulate situations, which is how the Water sign aims to take control of matters. — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026

Hansi Flick stands in the iconic ground’s dugout, and a Mourinho believed to be past his best would have to find a way to outfox the German and unravel his high-scoring outfit with a defensive high line. — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 3 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for outfox

• botox
• checkbox
• comox
• cornstalks
• cowpox
• crosswalks
• deadlocks
• detox
• feedstocks
• gearbox
• hemlocks
• icebox

Kids Definition

outfox

verb

out·​fox (ˈ)au̇t-ˈfäks 

: outwit