as in outwits
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outsmarts
Verb
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In a statement issued Friday, the commission accused X of using its 'blue checkmark' in a way that deceives users.—
Mary Cunningham,
CBS News,
5 Dec. 2025 -
The fragmentary Ni 12501 tablet from the Early Dynastic III period of Mesopotamia breaks off when Fox deceives the inhabitants of the netherworld in his quest to retrieve the storm god Ishkur.—
Rafil Kroll-Zaidi,
Harpers Magazine,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Sam Houston comeback thwarts Irving Arlington Sam Houston scored three unanswered goals after trailing 2-0 in the first half against Irving on Friday night.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
21 Mar. 2026
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Unless her future self thwarts the plan, Steiner will mail a copy of Empty Chair to her estranged relative in hopes of reconciliation.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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If Mexico defeats Italy, they are guaranteed to move on, leaving the final spot between Team USA and Italy.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
11 Mar. 2026
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Learning from losing Anthony Edwards is stealing the superpowers of whoever defeats him.—
Fred Katz,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Leo consistently overcomes challenges such as low light, rapid movement, and split second moments to produce sharp, compelling images.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
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LithSonic overcomes this challenge by using supersonic flow, similar to the conditions inside a rocket engine, to achieve ultra-rapid cooling through a process known as shock quenching.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As a result, the collapse of Stockmann’s crusade feels rushed—especially in the pivotal town-meeting scene, in which his brother, the mayor, outmaneuvers him and fellow-citizens shout him down.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
1 Dec. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Outsmarts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outsmarts. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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