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.
Pacers guard RayJ Dennis, who signed a two-way contract last year and was undrafted after playing at three colleges, outplayed him on both ends. Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025 The Yankees have been outplayed across the board in the first two games of the series. Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025 In the end, Hoover outplayed Salter and made just enough throws to help TCU avoid an upset loss. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Oct. 2025 But Maye completely outplayed Young on Sunday, throwing for two touchdowns and running for another. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 29 Sep. 2025 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 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

outplay

verb
out·​play
(ˈ)au̇t-ˈplā
: to play better than
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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