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

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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 outsmart Body wallet To outsmart Air France’s 12-kilogram carry-on cap, try strapping as much to your body. Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2025 In the final moments of Episode 8, he’s being held hostage with the newfound realization Wendy and the rest of the Lost Boys have been able to outsmart him. Leia Mendoza, Variety, 24 Sep. 2025 Because some of them act like complete idiots, but Wendy is constantly outsmarting everyone. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 Sparrow isn't the first feline to outsmart an automatic feeder, like the cat who managed to access her kibble between mealtimes by pressing a button on the feeder. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outsmart
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outsmart
Verb
  • To win, the contestants must outwit their opponents and identify the suspect, location and murder weapon of the crime.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Though Penn State had a key injury with linebacker Tony Rojas sidelined, Knowles was also outwitted by Neuheisel, who only took over the role for the Bruins earlier this week.
    Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Governor Kathy Hochul, whose own term has been defined by attempts to override local municipalities that thwart housing development and density, also supports the plan.
    Kim Velsey, Curbed, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Federico Gatti was also excellent in thwarting Madrid’s attacks.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Through the streets of World War I Paris, the bohemian artist attempts to outmaneuver bombs, policemen, girlfriends, and critics in an increasingly desperate search of a home for his art.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Alongside her estranged husband Ryan, the devout Moses (Hill), and new allies Samson (Feliz) and Delilah (Obsidian), Virginia must outmaneuver billionaire cult leader Luther Bell, played with magnetic menace by Esposito.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Despite being deceived, Stone, who dated Garfield for four years, conceded that the actor's dedication to the secret was honorable.
    Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Oct. 2025
  • That’s 14 years of dreaming, dissolving, romanticizing, escaping, and sometimes deceiving ourselves.
    Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Glo clearly brought good luck to the game, seeing as the Raptors defeated the Hawks 138-118.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 24 Oct. 2025
  • In these sparsely populated spaces, the mountain always defeats the human, instilling a deep respect for the environment.
    Callum McLennan, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • How Tielemans overcame early toils is often used as a source of encouragement by new additions who seem peripheral at first.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Her mission is to be an example of overcoming adversity, reminding the world that true success comes from working with love, respect, and shining without dimming the light of others.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • He was outfoxed, outplayed and frustrated by the calm version of Daniil Medvedev in 2023, and lost in straight sets to Botic van De Zandschulp in the second round last year.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • As Rolling Stone has previously reported, bogus images of classic rockers in hospitals or singing at the graves of other rockers have flooded the internet — fooling some fans in the process and provoking laughs in just as many.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Ultimately, the quarterback fooled the Raiders and proceeded to take the snap and get the Chiefs a first down.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Outsmart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outsmart. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

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