as in to outsmart
to get the better of through cleverness
a plan to outwit their opponents at their own game
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Twenty-six years ago, students treated a visit by then-President Bill Clinton as a challenge, and outwitted the Secret Service by secretly rigging a banner to unfurl at an inopportune moment.
—
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
26 Apr. 2026
Bob Markle was good at outwitting violators.
—
Dave Duffey,
Outdoor Life,
26 Mar. 2026
Probst, who grew up in the Seattle area and started his career here, is synonymous with the show that’s outlasted (and outwitted, and outplayed) any TV counterpart.
—
Paige Cornwell,
Twin Cities,
1 Mar. 2026
Millions watched this new kind of reality TV competition show in the summer of 2000 to see players try to outwit, outplay and outlast each other while at the same time trying to survive.
—
Christopher Kuhagen,
jsonline.com,
23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for outwit
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
26 Apr. 2026
Bob Markle was good at outwitting violators.
—
Dave Duffey,
Outdoor Life,
26 Mar. 2026
Probst, who grew up in the Seattle area and started his career here, is synonymous with the show that’s outlasted (and outwitted, and outplayed) any TV counterpart.
—
Paige Cornwell,
Twin Cities,
1 Mar. 2026
Millions watched this new kind of reality TV competition show in the summer of 2000 to see players try to outwit, outplay and outlast each other while at the same time trying to survive.
—
Christopher Kuhagen,
jsonline.com,
23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for outwit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outwit
Verb
-
Meanwhile, Tyreese is outsmarted by the Terminus Tiger Fan, who grabs baby Judith and threatens to snap her neck unless Tyreese walks unarmed into a herd of walkers outside.
-
Selecting a college major is not an exercise in outsmarting the admissions system.
Verb
-
The series will also recreate pivotal moments from Carlos’ life, while Carr examines how Carlos outmaneuvered intelligence services before being captured.
-
The question is no longer whether Vannacci will influence the vote, but whether Meloni can contain, co-opt or outmaneuver her challenger.
Verb
-
In the 31st minute, Morocco's Achraf Hakimi received the ball downfield in front of the box but was thwarted by Haiti's goalkeeper Johny Placide.
-
Starmer’s attempt to tackle Britain’s spiralling benefits bill was thwarted by his own MPs.
Verb
-
The thing is, a lot of people have a talent for deceiving the public.
-
Park and weather officials alike emphasize to Grand Canyon visitors that hiking conditions can be deceiving.
Verb
-
Huffines defeated Kelly Hancock, a longtime Abbott ally who the governor appointed to the seat in July.
-
In the early matchups, Ecuador upset Germany, Ivory Coast beat Curaçao 2-0, the Netherlands defeated Tunisia 3-1, and Japan and Sweden tied 1-1.
Verb
-
Rather than be benched, Devers batted cleanup, overcame an 0-for-3 start, and singled up the middle in the seventh to score Bryce Eldridge, who narrowly beat a tag at the plate for a 3-1 lead.
-
Its highly specialized strategy likely evolved to take advantage of the ant’s natural aggression and then overcome its defenses; the slingshot mechanism flings the ant from the foraging trail, reducing the risk that the spider will be swarmed by other workers, the researchers hypothesized.
Verb
-
Liv Morgan begged for a tag, but she was outfoxed by a blind tag from Rhea Ripley.
-
But even foxes can outfox themselves by their own designs.
Verb
-
Don’t be fooled; this isn’t your typical museum.
-
Don’t be fooled by its breezy ’60s-analog vintage pop sound.
Cite this Entry
“Outwit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outwit. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
