Definition of outsmartnext
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 After being humiliated and outsmarted when Julia escaped his grasp with Henry’s help in the season one finale, Lovat is presumably more dangerous than ever — and Henry will need to find a way back to save her once again. — Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2026 But, at the same time, the car’s computing system that controls electrical deployment is trying to outsmart them. — Luke Smith, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 At a certain point, people won’t be able to outsmart advanced AI anymore; this is not just another opinion. — Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 This disease did not retreat because the bacterium weakened or because humanity outsmarted it. — Katrine L. Wallace, The Conversation, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for outsmart
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outsmart
Verb
  • The show, which comes from Brent Montgomery’s Wheelhouse, brings together a group of strangers, in this case celebrity contestants, who must outwit their competition and identify the recipient of a million dollars hiding among them.
    — Peter White, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026
  • All season long, Ray and Sugar have been trying to outwit each other.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • Monroe thwarted Giulia’s attempt at a move from the top turnbuckle.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • In last Friday’s episode of the Outlander prequel, written by Toni Graphia and directed by Azhur Saleem, Ellen MacKenzie (Harriet Slater) rallies the women of her clan to thwart a surprise attack on Castle Leoch.
    — Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • And Michael and Olivia don’t exactly outmaneuver their opponents.
    — Noel Murray, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • But 3-0 marks can be deceiving heading into a battle of unbeatens at home against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Boulder County accused the fossil fuel companies of deceiving the general public about the dangers of their oil and gas operations and the associated greenhouse gas emissions through their advertising and marketing.
    — Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Trump’s appearance in San Antonio comes as Republicans fight to keep Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico from defeating Paxton.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Unfortunately, the same forces that defeated previous permitting reform packages — primarily left-wing interest groups — are threatening to smother this legislation.
    — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • These sessions have helped Ellis develop a better understanding of the challenges others have overcome.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The three-time AL MVP played just seven games after May 31 because of a fractured rib and the leg injury, an absence the team couldn't overcome.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Across two seasons packed with twisty machinations, Jung’s virtuous prosecutor Jang Geon-young attempted to pin down Hyun’s shamelessly corrupt — but effortlessly cool — intelligence officer Baek Ki-tae, only to be outfoxed at every turn.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Gauff dug in, matched Badosa’s power, and outfoxed her when the opportunities arose.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • And we will be fooled into believing that’s the best, or worst, thing comedy has to offer.
    — Christina Catherine Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The balancing act Don’t be fooled by the lack of a back-up plan.
    — Tyler Carmona, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Outsmart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outsmart. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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