outwit

verb

out·​wit ˌau̇t-ˈwit 

outwitted; outwitting

transitive verb

1

: to get the better of by superior cleverness : outsmart

2

archaic : to surpass in wisdom

Synonyms of outwit

• outsmart
• outmaneuver
• thwart
• deceive
• defeat
• overcome
• outfox
• fool
• outthink

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

To say that Cucurella was pleased, when the Spanish side outwitted the French in the semifinal, would be an understatement. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 17 July 2026

For Deschamps and Stephan, there was no shortage of blame after Spain’s Luis de la Fuente outwitted the French coaching staff for the third time, following wins at the 2024 European Championship and last year’s Nations League semi-final. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 16 July 2026

Watch crafty servant Scapin spin outrageous webs of disguise and deception to help a band of young lovers outwit their impossibly miserly fathers. — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026

Similar storm-clouds are now gathering around Sánchez, a canny politician known for outwitting his opponents. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 21 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for outwit

• acquit
• admit
• armpit
• backlit
• befit
• cockpit
• commit
• dalit
• dendrite
• emit
• illite
• misfit

Kids Definition

outwit

verb

out·​wit au̇t-ˈwit 

outwitted; outwitting

: to get the better of by cleverness