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
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The final was seen as a contest between Love and the Chiefs' Damian McKenzie for the All Blacks' starting flyhalf role and Love thoroughly outplayed his rival, conducting the Hurricanes' attack adding to his double by kicking seven goals from 10 attempts for an individual tally of 25 points. ABC News, 20 June 2026 The Atlas Lions outplayed Brazil for long passages in their first game but came away with a 1-1 draw. Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 June 2026 Facing pressure to win its first World Cup title since 2002, Brazil was outplayed early and needed Vinícius Júnior's 32nd-minute goal to get a 1-1 draw with Morocco on Saturday. CBS News, 18 June 2026 Facing pressure to win its first World Cup title since 2002, Brazil was outplayed early and needed Vinícius Júnior’s 32nd-minute goal to get a 1-1 draw with Morocco on Saturday. Dan Gelston, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Outplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outplay. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

outplay

verb
out·​play
(ˈ)au̇t-ˈplā
: to play better than
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