Synonyms of outsmart

outsmart

verb

ˌau̇t-ˈsmärt 

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

• outwit
• thwart
• outmaneuver
• deceive
• defeat
• overcome
• outfox
• fool
• outthink
• fox
• circumvent
• overreach
• trick
• outslick
• frustrate
• outguess
• hinder
• impede
• foil
• baffle
• balk
• conquer
• dupe
• gull
• lick
• second-guess
• obstruct
• block
• cozen
• bar

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of outsmart

Fedorov, meanwhile, represents technological innovation and a determination to outsmart the country’s more powerful invader. — Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 21 July 2026

McClair, a scurrying cerebral Glaswegian signed from Celtic and one of the few players to outsmart his boss Sir Alex Ferguson, had become the first in 20 years, since Best, to score 20 league goals for United. — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 17 July 2026

Outflanked by cruel and fickle gods at every turn, legendary Greek hero Odysseus outsmarted a one-eyed giant, suffered through the bewitching Sirens’ song and braved the Underworld’s dead denizens. — Alex Pulaski, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

For more than 100 years, people have tried to sequester it and tame it and outsmart it, and for more than 100 years the Mississippi has found its own way. — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026