outfox

verb

ˌau̇t-ˈfäks How to pronounce outfox (audio)
Definition of outfoxnext
as in to outwit
to get the better of through cleverness the prisoners outfoxed the guards by tunneling beneath the prison walls

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of outfox Hansi Flick stands in the iconic ground’s dugout, and a Mourinho believed to be past his best would have to find a way to outfox the German and unravel his high-scoring outfit with a defensive high line. — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 3 June 2026 But even foxes can outfox themselves by their own designs. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 20 Jan. 2026 Los Angeles had already outfoxed the 49ers in 2021 by trading for Matthew Stafford, who was also on Shanahan’s radar. — Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 2 Oct. 2025 No doubt remained that I’d been outfoxed. — Charles Elliott, Outdoor Life, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outfox
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outfox
  1. outwit
  2. outsmart
  3. outmaneuver
  4. thwart
  5. deceive
  6. defeat
  7. overcome
Verb
  • The Dogs tend to be just that, loyal meatheads of the kind that clever agents like River can outwit by the dozen.
    — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Diagnose the monster before deciding which mind and which move are required to outwit it.
    — Jeff DeGraff, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of outwit
Verb
  • Despite Riyadh’s considerable air defenses and vast military spending, the militants have been able to outsmart the systems using relatively cheap drones and missiles.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • In his younger days, Presnell seemed to enjoy outsmarting people.
    — Thomas Lake, AJC.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of outsmart
Verb
  • First-year Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur, the Rams’ former offensive coordinator, outcoached and outmaneuvered McVay, his friend and mentor.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The original 1960s cars had legendary status dominating the Monte Carlo Rally, outmaneuvering heavier machinery across icy mountain passes with lightweight agility rather than brute off-road hardware.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of outmaneuver
Verb
  • Well, on Monday, Overshown put those doubts to rest by tying for the team lead with six tackles and recording a game-sealing interception in the fourth quarter to thwart a Philadelphia comeback attempt.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026
  • This bipartisanship on attitudes about AI and data centers appears also to show up in alliances on the ground and, in some cases, in new organizations with a focus on thwarting data centers.
    — Barbara A. Trish, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of thwart
Verb
  • But looks are deceiving in this case – just like the 3X Plus and 3X before it, the trailer stretches out via three individual telescopic segments that emerge at the push of a button.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Facebook's lawyers argued that the state failed to prove whether people were actually harmed by these deceiving statements.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of deceive
Verb
  • This was the sixth year in a row that the Yankees failed to defeat a higher-seeded playoff opponent.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Although supporters say the fear that billionaires will flee the state are overblown, the ultrawealthy have made moves to potentially avoid paying the tax or are funding campaigns to defeat it.
    — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of defeat
Verb
  • Experts who are part of consultations expect the new policy to lay down clear and consistent rules, which will also help the industry overcome challenges around land acquisition and simplify a fragmented approval process.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The song addresses overcoming adversity and using others’ doubts to fuel your passion.
    — Melinda Newman, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of overcome

Browse Nearby Words

outfought
outfox
outfoxed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outfox.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outfox. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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