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.
When a third girl disappears, Sean is determined to outsmart the police and solve the case for himself. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026 Selecting a college major is not an exercise in outsmarting the admissions system. — Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 Mosquitoes just might be outsmarting us Mosquitoes may be beating us at our own game − by making repellent attractive. — Robert Abitbol, USA Today, 13 June 2026 For more than 100 years, people have tried to sequester it and tame it and outsmart it, and for more than 100 years the Mississippi has found its own way. — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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