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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Negotiations on a raise have been ongoing for the better part of two years, since Lawrence signed a May 2023 contract extension and then immediately outplayed his deal as the defensive tackle market surged. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 15 Apr. 2026 Really, the only game in which they’ve been significantly outplayed was on Thursday. Kevin Kurz, 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 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 22 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

outplay

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