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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Tough night for Filip Gustavsson The shame of Thursday is that, analytically, the Wild outplayed the Stars. Michael Russo, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026 Michigan outplayed Denver through the extra sessions, outshoooting the Pioneers 21-8, including 13-3 in the second OT. ABC News, 10 Apr. 2026 Every opponent is getting outplayed. Josh Gross, Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026 Yet piece by piece, Hans was now outplaying the world champion. Ben Mezrich, Vanity Fair, 6 Apr. 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 12 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

outplay

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