outwit

verb

out·​wit ˌau̇t-ˈwit How to pronounce outwit (audio)
outwitted; outwitting

transitive verb

1
: to get the better of by superior cleverness : outsmart
2
archaic : to surpass in wisdom

Examples of outwit in a Sentence

The fox managed to outwit the hunter by hiding in a tree. They thought they had outwitted the new teacher.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
James Best played Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane, the comic-relief lawman constantly outwitted by the Dukes. Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 5 July 2025 While Brooklyn attorney Kyle Fraser ultimately outwitted, outplayed, and outlasted the competition to claim the $1 million prize in a nail-biting 5-2-1 jury vote, our local hero, Mitch Guerra, ended his Fijian adventure as the seventh member of the jury. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 But in order to find the ultimate prize, Luffy will need to assemble the crew he's always wanted before finding a ship to sail, searching every inch of the vast blue seas, outpacing the Marines, and outwitting dangerous rivals at every turn. Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025 When betrayal strikes from within, the team must outwit overwhelming odds to survive and escape. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for outwit

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outwit was circa 1630

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Cite this Entry

“Outwit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outwit. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

outwit

verb
out·​wit au̇t-ˈwit How to pronounce outwit (audio)
outwitted; outwitting
: to get the better of by cleverness

More from Merriam-Webster on outwit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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