outmaneuver

verb

out·​ma·​neu·​ver ˌau̇t-mə-ˈn(y)ü-vər 

outmaneuvered; outmaneuvering

transitive verb

: to outdo, defeat, or gain an advantage over by skillful or clever maneuvering : to maneuver more effectively than

Battalions are especially important in desert warfare because they are powerful enough to deliver devastating blows … but small enough to sneak along ridges and valleys to outmaneuver larger forces.

—Bob Davis

… an amorally ambitious studio exec who disposes of a threatening screenwriter as coolly as he outmaneuvers a rival executive.

—Gregg Kilday

Sabre pilots learned that if they could force their adversaries to change direction rapidly, the Sabre could outmaneuver them.

—Fred Reed

Synonyms

• fox
• outfox
• outslick
• outsmart
• outthink
• outwit
• overreach

Examples of outmaneuver in a Sentence

outmaneuvered his congressional opponent by co-opting his call for change in Washington

Recent Examples on the Web

The New York Giants outmaneuvered a growing parade of scouts to sign the 19-year-old wunderkind in June of 1950. —Dan Brown, The Mercury News, 18 June 2024

In other words, Brad Stevens clearly outmaneuvered Pat Riley, but hopefully this offseason will be different. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 16 June 2024

Rather than this brutal man and how someone outmaneuvered him and survived him. —Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 June 2024

Toranaga is outnumbered and beset by assassination attempts, forcing him to fall back on his wits to outmaneuver the council. —Ryu Spaeth, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

outmaneuver

verb

out·​ma·​neu·​ver

ˌau̇t-mə-ˈn(y)ü-vər

: to be more skillful or successful than in maneuvering