outmaneuver

verb

out·​ma·​neu·​ver ˌau̇t-mə-ˈn(y)ü-vər How to pronounce outmaneuver (audio)
outmaneuvered; outmaneuvering
Synonyms of outmaneuvernext

transitive verb

: to outdo, defeat, or gain an advantage over by skillful or clever maneuvering : to maneuver more effectively than
Battalions are especially important in desert warfare because they are powerful enough to deliver devastating blows … but small enough to sneak along ridges and valleys to outmaneuver larger forces.Bob Davis
… an amorally ambitious studio exec who disposes of a threatening screenwriter as coolly as he outmaneuvers a rival executive.Gregg Kilday
Sabre pilots learned that if they could force their adversaries to change direction rapidly, the Sabre could outmaneuver them.Fred Reed

Examples of outmaneuver in a Sentence

outmaneuvered his congressional opponent by co-opting his call for change in Washington
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.
The ferocity of their scenes together, aided by Arias’ devoted yet outmaneuvered Thea, sets the production ablaze with erotic danger. Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026 Paramount, which was outmaneuvered by Netflix last December, has received a warmer response from WBD this week and the two media companies are continuing to negotiate. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2026 The Strategic Powerhouses These names are inspired by women who lead with their minds, outmaneuvering everyone in the room. Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 19 Feb. 2026 With the rise of prediction markets allowing people to bet on elections, sports, musical performances and live press conferences, traders are becoming increasingly creative to outmaneuver other bettors. Bobby Allyn, NPR, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outmaneuver

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of outmaneuver was in 1796

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Cite this Entry

“Outmaneuver.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outmaneuver. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

outmaneuver

verb
out·​ma·​neu·​ver
ˌau̇t-mə-ˈn(y)ü-vər
: to be more skillful or successful than in maneuvering

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