outfox

verb

ˌau̇t-ˈfäks How to pronounce outfox (audio)
Definition of outfoxnext
as in to outwit
to get the better of through cleverness the prisoners outfoxed the guards by tunneling beneath the prison walls

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of outfox Hansi Flick stands in the iconic ground’s dugout, and a Mourinho believed to be past his best would have to find a way to outfox the German and unravel his high-scoring outfit with a defensive high line. — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 3 June 2026 But even foxes can outfox themselves by their own designs. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 20 Jan. 2026 Los Angeles had already outfoxed the 49ers in 2021 by trading for Matthew Stafford, who was also on Shanahan’s radar. — Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 2 Oct. 2025 No doubt remained that I’d been outfoxed. — Charles Elliott, Outdoor Life, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outfox
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outfox
  1. outwit
  2. outsmart
  3. outmaneuver
  4. thwart
  5. deceive
  6. defeat
  7. overcome
Verb
  • The Dogs tend to be just that, loyal meatheads of the kind that clever agents like River can outwit by the dozen.
    — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Diagnose the monster before deciding which mind and which move are required to outwit it.
    — Jeff DeGraff, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of outwit
Verb
  • Despite Riyadh’s considerable air defenses and vast military spending, the militants have been able to outsmart the systems using relatively cheap drones and missiles.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • In his younger days, Presnell seemed to enjoy outsmarting people.
    — Thomas Lake, AJC.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of outsmart
Verb
  • First-year Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur, the Rams’ former offensive coordinator, outcoached and outmaneuvered McVay, his friend and mentor.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The original 1960s cars had legendary status dominating the Monte Carlo Rally, outmaneuvering heavier machinery across icy mountain passes with lightweight agility rather than brute off-road hardware.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of outmaneuver
Verb
  • The requirements are aimed at thwarting fraud or improper enrollments.
    — Julie Appleby, NPR, 1 Nov. 2026
  • That was the defensive stop needed to swing the tides of momentum, and Mensah didn’t thwart that opportunity.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of thwart
Verb
  • But don’t be deceived, these are not primarily poems of the body, though the animal body–the dog, the human, meat– return throughout.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The first rule of thumb—and a solid piece of advice to live by—is that looks can be deceiving.
    — Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of deceive
Verb
  • The students led those protests before challenging and defeating Vucic at the early ballot on Sunday.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The Milwaukee Brewers capped a dominating October on Wednesday night by defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 in Game 5 of the World Series.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of defeat
Verb
  • Tested on three below-knee amputees, this technique could overcome the limitations of current muscle-signal systems.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
  • This front row seat to past moments — including some that involve Ethan — leads Hannah to reflect, break out of her comfort zone and overcome her fear of failure.
    — Rachel LaBonte, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of overcome

Browse Nearby Words

outfought
outfox
outfoxed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outfox.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outfox. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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