as in defeated
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
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Recent Examples of outwitted
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
Maduro has in any case outwitted dozens of attempts to depose him over the years.
—Quico Toro, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 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
Paige Cornwell, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 2026
Maduro has in any case outwitted dozens of attempts to depose him over the years.
—Quico Toro, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outwitted
Verb
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Sierra Canyon defeated Santa Margarita 72-60 behind 23 points and 10 rebounds from Brandon McCoy.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
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Jayson Tatum kick-started Boston with a strong first quarter in his second game back from Achilles surgery, and co-star Jaylen Brown flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 23 points, nine rebounds and eight assists as the Celtics defeated the Cavaliers 109-98 at Rocket Arena.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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However, ancient mythology is filled with examples of crafty foxes being outsmarted by their own traps.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
20 Jan. 2026
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However, Cena outsmarted him by grabbing the chair, throwing it next to Dom, and pretending to be down on the mat.—
Matthew Couden,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Residents should not be deceived by the unsupported and absurd revenue claims of the Moore administration.—
Torrey Snow,
Baltimore Sun,
11 Mar. 2026
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So some people got deceived and believed it.—
Chierstin Roth,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Right was thwarted by the pandemic).—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
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He was thwarted by Sam two years ago, and Atterton has been desperate for revenge ever since, and has spent his time behind bars planning Sam’s downfall.—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The ferocity of their scenes together, aided by Arias’ devoted yet outmaneuvered Thea, sets the production ablaze with erotic danger.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Feb. 2026
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Paramount, which was outmaneuvered by Netflix last December, has received a warmer response from WBD this week and the two media companies are continuing to negotiate.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The quick shot that fooled Wallstedt was MacKinnon’s NHL-leading 43rd of the season.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
8 Mar. 2026
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You, too, can be fooled by warm March days into jumping the gun and making costly mistakes.—
David Beaulieu,
The Spruce,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Liv Morgan begged for a tag, but she was outfoxed by a blind tag from Rhea Ripley.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
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No doubt remained that I’d been outfoxed.—
Charles Elliott,
Outdoor Life,
21 Aug. 2025
Verb
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To win, Bhatia overcame swirling emotions to summon the best golf of his young career to apply pressure on Berger, who finally cracked down the stretch and opened the door.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Mar. 2026
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Aaron Gordon overcame his first obstacle by getting back on the court.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Outwitted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outwitted. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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