outplay

verb

out·​play ˌau̇t-ˈplā How to pronounce outplay (audio)
outplayed; outplaying; outplays

transitive verb

: 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)

Examples of outplay in a Sentence

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.
His Seahawks units outplayed Rams counterparts in two critical late-season wins and scored another no-doubt victory in Super Bowl 60. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026 However, it could be argued that Jackson has greatly outplayed his contract and deserves another extension. Mike Kaye february 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Feb. 2026 Can the Bulls outplay their lack of size? Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026 Since coming from the Saints to the Bengals on a four-year, $60 million contract, Hendrickson consistently outplayed his deal and earned two pay raises. Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outplay

Word History

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of outplay was in 1702

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outplay. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

outplay

verb
out·​play
(ˈ)au̇t-ˈplā
: to play better than
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster