outplay
verb
out·play
ˌau̇t-ˈplā 
outplayed; outplaying; outplays
: 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)
The Times Union (Albany, New York) Examples of outplay in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In his first season in Seattle, Sam Darnold vastly outplayed his contract while delivering a dream season and completing one of the most admirable comebacks stories in NFL history.
—Jeff Howe, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Probst, who grew up in the Seattle area and started his career here, is synonymous with the show that’s outlasted (and outwitted, and outplayed) any TV counterpart.
—Paige Cornwell, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 2026
Portland was outplayed for the entirety of Colorado’s 2-0 win, the first of Matt Wells’ managerial career.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2026
Sunday’s victory for Team USA was nothing short of stunning given how Canada seemed to significantly outplay the Americans for most of the medal game.
—Chris Kudialis, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2026
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Jeff Howe, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Probst, who grew up in the Seattle area and started his career here, is synonymous with the show that’s outlasted (and outwitted, and outplayed) any TV counterpart.
—Paige Cornwell, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 2026
Portland was outplayed for the entirety of Colorado’s 2-0 win, the first of Matt Wells’ managerial career.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2026
Sunday’s victory for Team USA was nothing short of stunning given how Canada seemed to significantly outplay the Americans for most of the medal game.
—Chris Kudialis, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for outplay
Cite this Entry
“Outplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outplay. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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