outmaneuver

verb

out·​ma·​neu·​ver ˌau̇t-mə-ˈn(y)ü-vər 

outmaneuvered; outmaneuvering

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

Synonyms of outmaneuver

• outwit
• outsmart
• thwart
• deceive
• defeat
• overcome
• outfox
• outthink

Examples of outmaneuver in a Sentence

outmaneuvered his congressional opponent by co-opting his call for change in Washington

Recent Examples on the Web

The Russells, meanwhile, are still grappling with John Rockefeller, who continues to outmaneuver George’s increasingly desperate business strategizing. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026

Without his wife by his side, George, so confident in his business dealings and so adept at outmaneuvering the old-money elites whose hold on American enterprise is loosening, is unmoored. — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 28 Oct. 2026

First-year Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur, the Rams’ former offensive coordinator, outcoached and outmaneuvered McVay, his friend and mentor. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

The original 1960s cars had legendary status dominating the Monte Carlo Rally, outmaneuvering heavier machinery across icy mountain passes with lightweight agility rather than brute off-road hardware. — New Atlas, 9 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for outmaneuver

• improver
• maneuver
• remover
• louver
• mover

Kids Definition

outmaneuver

verb

out·​ma·​neu·​ver

ˌau̇t-mə-ˈn(y)ü-vər

: to be more skillful or successful than in maneuvering