outsmart

verb

out·​smart ˌau̇t-ˈsmärt 

outsmarted; outsmarting; outsmarts

transitive verb

: to get the better of

especially : outwit

Synonyms

• fox
• outfox
• outmaneuver
• outslick
• outthink
• outwit
• overreach

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

Much of Hinton’s worry stems from the belief that humanity knew frighteningly little about artificial intelligence—and that machines may outsmart humans. —Paolo Confino, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2024

Noted for being intelligent enough to even outsmart their owners, the American Kennel Club states the breed is related to Australia's native wild dog, the Dingo. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025

However, according to one prominent tipster, Samsung’s next-gen handsets will deliver a range of as-yet-unknown AI features capable of outsmarting even arch-rival Apple. —Paul Monckton, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025

That’s why we were intrigued by Brian’s inquiry about using other ways to make Apple AirTags undetectable to car thieves or outsmarting them twice. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 4 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

outsmart

verb

out·​smart (ˈ)au̇t-ˈsmärt 

: outwit