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
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His task is to outplay Maye by having fewer sacks and turnovers.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 24 Jan. 2026
The Knights, thoroughly outplayed in the the opening 40 minutes, outshot the B’s 20-5 in the third period and scored three unanswered goals.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 23 Jan. 2026
Holding a 17-14 lead but mostly getting outplayed in the second half by the Hurricanes (13-3), Cignetti took a timeout to ponder kick or go.
—Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2026
Reid could easily outplay him but invariably lost anyway.
—Jon Ralston, The Atlantic, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for outplay
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Troy Renck, Denver Post, 24 Jan. 2026
The Knights, thoroughly outplayed in the the opening 40 minutes, outshot the B’s 20-5 in the third period and scored three unanswered goals.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 23 Jan. 2026
Holding a 17-14 lead but mostly getting outplayed in the second half by the Hurricanes (13-3), Cignetti took a timeout to ponder kick or go.
—Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2026
Reid could easily outplay him but invariably lost anyway.
—Jon Ralston, The Atlantic, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for outplay
Cite this Entry
“Outplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outplay. Accessed 26 Jan. 2026.
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