outflank

verb

out·​flank ˌau̇t-ˈflaŋk How to pronounce outflank (audio)
outflanked; outflanking; outflanks
Synonyms of outflanknext

transitive verb

1
: to get around the flank of (an opposing force)
2
: get around, circumvent
trying to outflank the competition

Examples of outflank in a Sentence

The army outflanked the enemy. trying to outflank the competition
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.
Let’s start with the premise that Democrats cannot afford to be outflanked on populism again. — Matt K. Lewis, Twin Cities, 12 Apr. 2026 And yet, in Washington, Altman seems to have outflanked him. — Ronan Farrow, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026 Candidates in the new Salt Lake City-area district have tried to outflank one another on the left. — ABC News, 23 June 2026 The front office allowing the Heat to be outflanked by opposing front offices; 5. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outflank

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outflank was in 1765

Rhymes for outflank

See All Rhymes for outflank

Browse Nearby Words

outflame
outflank
outflaring
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outflank.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outflank. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

outflank

verb
out·​flank (ˈ)au̇t-ˈflaŋk How to pronounce outflank (audio)
: to get around the side of (a military formation)
outflank the enemy

More from Merriam-Webster on outflank

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for outflank

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