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.
Kawamura does his best to outplay his height on defense, getting up into the gut of lengthier guards to hound the ball. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025 Alcaraz looked to his box several times, as if to say he was being outplayed from the baseline. Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025 Among the things mentioned was Jones drastically outplaying Richardson and getting the Colts' starting job. Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025 Smith, a fifth-round pick in the same draft when Stevenson was selected in the second round, has arguably outplayed him but in a limited capacity. Phil Rogers, Forbes.com, 21 July 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

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Cite this Entry

“Outplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outplay. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

outplay

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