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

• 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

Maigret must outwit some of Paris’s most cunning and violent criminals, while dealing with his own troubled past. —Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025

But like any virus, RSV has the ability to mutate, so at least one question remained: Could the virus eventually outwit nirsevimab? —Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2025

Cross goes on the run with Dr. Marta Shearing (Rachel Weisz) in a race to outwit the assassins and reveal the truth. —Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Sep. 2025

Wednesday thinks she’s outwitted her opponents, but her plan to have Thing ready at the crossbow to take out Isaac-Slurp is thwarted when — dun dun DUNNNN! —Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for outwit

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

Kids Definition

outwit

verb

out·​wit au̇t-ˈwit 

outwitted; outwitting

: to get the better of by cleverness