outsmart

verb

out·​smart ˌau̇t-ˈsmärt How to pronounce outsmart (audio)
outsmarted; outsmarting; outsmarts
Synonyms of outsmartnext

transitive verb

: to get the better of
especially : outwit
outsmarted their attackers and escaped unharmed

Synonyms of outsmart

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Examples of outsmart in a Sentence

The government must gather large amounts of information in order to outsmart its enemies. an inexpensive security system that would likely be outsmarted by anyone with a serious interest in circumventing it
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Buechler emphasizes that these visionaries, fueled by a deep sense of what's best for the world, are impossible to outsmart or outlast. — Christine Haughney Dare-Bryan, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 This disease did not retreat because the bacterium weakened or because humanity outsmarted it. — Katrine L. Wallace, The Conversation, 29 July 2026 The family-friendly mythological comedy centers on eight ordinary mortals who must combine their wit and courage to outsmart formidable deities, earning the legendary status of the Eight Immortals. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 July 2026 The Fan, the season-long unsub obsessed with one-upping and outsmarting his idol. — Joyce Eng, Entertainment Weekly, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for outsmart

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of outsmart was in 1924

Rhymes for outsmart

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Browse Nearby Words

outslug
outsmart
outsmell
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Cite this Entry

“Outsmart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outsmart. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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