as in to outwit
to get the better of through cleverness
an inexpensive security system that would likely be outsmarted by anyone with a serious interest in circumventing it
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of outsmart
There’s also the Travelon Anti-theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag designed to outsmart pickpockets, plus the Taygeer Travel Backpack that can easily replace your carry-on.
—
Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2026
Williams did not play the cool heel or try to outsmart everyone.
—Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
However, ancient mythology is filled with examples of crafty foxes being outsmarted by their own traps.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 20 Jan. 2026
The Dodgers not only outspend every team by a wide margin, but also outsmart and outperform them.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for outsmart
Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2026
Williams did not play the cool heel or try to outsmart everyone.
—Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
However, ancient mythology is filled with examples of crafty foxes being outsmarted by their own traps.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 20 Jan. 2026
The Dodgers not only outspend every team by a wide margin, but also outsmart and outperform them.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for outsmart
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outsmart
Verb
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Bob Markle was good at outwitting violators.—
Dave Duffey,
Outdoor Life,
26 Mar. 2026
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The Rams, seeded 11th, caused an average of 22 turnovers per game with its full-court trapping defense and outwitted everyone in their run from First Four to Final Four.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The failure to thwart the 2001 terrorist attacks drove the federal government to take over airport security from private companies and create the Transportation Security Administration.—
Kelly Yamanouchi,
AJC.com,
25 Mar. 2026
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Both remind me of Ray’s leads, who sense that they’re being thwarted or not meeting expectations, but seem unable or unwilling to resolve anything.—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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These officers can outrun you, outmaneuver you through dense downtown traffic and scout out any funny business in large crowds.—
Caroline Silva,
AJC.com,
27 Mar. 2026
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Pancho Villa, the Mexican revolutionary, was labeled as a terrorist and this freedom fighter who’s characterized as this elusive fighter, this person that could outmaneuver American forces.—
Lisa Deaderick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The specifications on the Neo can be deceiving.—
Dwight Silverman,
Houston Chronicle,
28 Mar. 2026
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Klipsch Austin Portable Bluetooth Speaker Deal Don't be deceived by the small Klipsch Austin portable speaker.—
George Yang,
PC Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Argyle defeated Abilene Wylie 2-0 on Friday.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Mar. 2026
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And the Marlins would defeat one of the worst teams in the history of baseball, the Colorado Rockies, 2-1.—
Greg Cote
Updated March 27,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Bane overcame a slow start by making six of his first seven attempts at the free-throw line to reach 10 points after two quarters.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 Apr. 2026
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The Leafs overcame a 3-1 deficit with three goals in the third period, including Rielly's snap shot from the high slot that beat Anaheim goalie Ville Husso stick-side to give Toronto a 4-3 lead with three minutes left in regulation.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Liv Morgan begged for a tag, but she was outfoxed by a blind tag from Rhea Ripley.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
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But even foxes can outfox themselves by their own designs.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Don't let some cloudy skies fool you.—
Brian Smith,
Des Moines Register,
25 Mar. 2026
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But don’t let its stillness in the videos fool you.—
Andrés Muedano,
JSTOR Daily,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Outsmart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outsmart. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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