Thesaurus results for OUTWIT

outwit

verb

ˌau̇t-ˈwit

Definition of outwit

as in to outsmart

to get the better of through cleverness a plan to outwit their opponents at their own game

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 outwit To say that Cucurella was pleased, when the Spanish side outwitted the French in the semifinal, would be an understatement. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 17 July 2026 For Deschamps and Stephan, there was no shortage of blame after Spain’s Luis de la Fuente outwitted the French coaching staff for the third time, following wins at the 2024 European Championship and last year’s Nations League semi-final. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 16 July 2026 Watch crafty servant Scapin spin outrageous webs of disguise and deception to help a band of young lovers outwit their impossibly miserly fathers. — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026 Similar storm-clouds are now gathering around Sánchez, a canny politician known for outwitting his opponents. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for outwit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for outwit

Verb

Despite Riyadh’s considerable air defenses and vast military spending, the militants have been able to outsmart the systems using relatively cheap drones and missiles.

— semafor.com, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026
In his younger days, Presnell seemed to enjoy outsmarting people.

— Thomas Lake, AJC.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of outsmart

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

Definition of outmaneuver

Verb

Scott McNutt of Robbinsville, New Jersey, argues that the ban, which was put in place to thwart tax evasion, is unconstitutional.

— Gretchen Reynolds, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2026
Meanwhile, Katie’s out here trying to get people to vote for Michael at the roundtable in order to thwart Victor’s plans to get Tomica out.

— Alice Burton, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of thwart

Verb

The evidence does not establish that Claude deliberately set out to deceive investigators.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Until Holmes, the characters in Oppenheim’s documentaries had been relative unknowns — people with far less incentive to deceive him.

— Alex Barasch, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of deceive

Verb

This was the sixth year in a row that the Yankees failed to defeat a higher-seeded playoff opponent.

— Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026
Although supporters say the fear that billionaires will flee the state are overblown, the ultrawealthy have made moves to potentially avoid paying the tax or are funding campaigns to defeat it.

— Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of defeat

Verb

Experts who are part of consultations expect the new policy to lay down clear and consistent rules, which will also help the industry overcome challenges around land acquisition and simplify a fragmented approval process.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
The song addresses overcoming adversity and using others’ doubts to fuel your passion.

— Melinda Newman, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of overcome

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

Definition of outfox

Browse Nearby Words

outweighs

outwit

outwits

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Style

“Outwit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outwit. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of outwit

verb

Example Sentences

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