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.
How Serena managed to outwit her Secret Service agents and end up on the late night news shows vexes Sutton, who’s trying to maintain a flawless and relatively low-key reputation as the first Black woman president of the North American nation. Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2025 Their ultimate goal is to outwit, outplay, and outlast. Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 12 Mar. 2025 Stephanie and Emily take advantage of this connection to outwit Charity. Hannah Madlener, Glamour, 2 May 2025 The old lad won the 2025 Masters in the most patent way possible, by outwitting an army of demons and finally meeting his place in history. Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 14 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outwit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outwit. Accessed 23 May. 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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