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
Just like Opening Night, the Giants were outplayed in every facet of the game on Opening Day, their 3-0 loss to the Yankees marking a second straight shutout to begin the year.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
If Bond and/or a rookie draft pick end up outplaying Wallace, that’s probably a good thing for the offense’s growth.
—Zac Jackson, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Edmonds outplayed Boozer in the first half, outscoring him 12-2, helping to keep TCU in the game while sophomore forward David Punch was limited to two first-half points.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Mar. 2026
The Hawks usually keep the night interesting for the United Center fans despite being outplayed.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for outplay
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Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
If Bond and/or a rookie draft pick end up outplaying Wallace, that’s probably a good thing for the offense’s growth.
—Zac Jackson, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Edmonds outplayed Boozer in the first half, outscoring him 12-2, helping to keep TCU in the game while sophomore forward David Punch was limited to two first-half points.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Mar. 2026
The Hawks usually keep the night interesting for the United Center fans despite being outplayed.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 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 2 Apr. 2026.
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