as in defeated
to get the better of through cleverness
a plan to outwit their opponents at their own game
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Recent Examples of outwitted
The Rams, seeded 11th, caused an average of 22 turnovers per game with its full-court trapping defense and outwitted everyone in their run from First Four to Final Four.
—
Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 18 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
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
Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 18 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
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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Xander Bogaerts and Bryce Johnson delivered two-out RBIs as the San Diego Padres defeated the Angels 2-1 on Sunday.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Apr. 2026
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Also defeated was Vladimir Putin, who especially sought an Orbán victory to keep his firewall in the EU, where Hungary had used its power to block assistance to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia; no longer.—
New York Daily News,
Twin Cities,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The struggle resonated with parents on Reddit, many of whom admitted they have been outsmarted by their own baby gear.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
1 Apr. 2026
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In each of these cases, a tech company outsmarted a human—or several—either by producing text convincing enough to pass the smell test, or by creating and marketing a service that convinced a writer to offload part of their labor.—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But don't be deceived by the small-town charm—there's plenty to do here, with historic downtowns full of unique shops, heaps of Southern comfort food, and 80,000 acres of wildlife areas to explore by kayak, bike, and boat.—
Amanda Ogle,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Apr. 2026
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Marie then opened up to Julia about her own experience being deceived by a man who used religion to abuse his power.—
Jordana Comiter,
PEOPLE,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The draconian rule of law under Pinochet also thwarted the young director’s cinematic ambitions.—
Christopher Vourlias,
Variety,
22 Apr. 2026
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During clutch time over multiple possessions, Jokic was thwarted.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
21 Apr. 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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Don’t be fooled by Morejón’s unsightly ERA.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Apr. 2026
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In person, the author Freida McFadden (her nom de plume) has a sweet, shy demeanor—but don’t be fooled.—
E.L. James,
Time,
15 Apr. 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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This marked just the second time Buffalo overcame a two-goal third-period deficit.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 Apr. 2026
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Epstein said children more easily overcame fear because of their age.—
Nicole Buss,
Sacbee.com,
19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Outwitted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outwitted. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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