outplay
verb
out·play
ˌau̇t-ˈplā 
outplayed; outplaying; outplays
: to play better than
especially
: to outdo in playing a game
The Knicks took a 21-point lead in the first half, gave up 18 consecutive points in the third quarter, but outplayed the Kings down the stretch to win … —
The Times Union (Albany, New York)
The Times Union (Albany, New York) Examples of outplay in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
And while mistakes were the theme of the first half, Stanford outplayed the Bears over the final two quarters.
—Jeff Faraudo, Mercury News, 23 Nov. 2025
Despite thoroughly outplaying the Cougars, the game was tied at 14 entering the fourth quarter.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Nov. 2025
Another back to speculate on is Sean Tucker, who was only 33rd but outplayed Rachaad White in Week 10.
—Michael Salfino, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025
Hicks hasn’t been bad, but he’s been outplayed by teammates.
—Sam McDowell 7, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2025
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Jeff Faraudo, Mercury News, 23 Nov. 2025
Despite thoroughly outplaying the Cougars, the game was tied at 14 entering the fourth quarter.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Nov. 2025
Another back to speculate on is Sean Tucker, who was only 33rd but outplayed Rachaad White in Week 10.
—Michael Salfino, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025
Hicks hasn’t been bad, but he’s been outplayed by teammates.
—Sam McDowell 7, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for outplay
Cite this Entry
“Outplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outplay. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.
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