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

What follows is a tense series of events as Ethan tries (and often fails) to outsmart the Traveler and prevent a terrible tragedy, all without getting his girlfriend and unborn baby killed. —Erik Kain, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

So, enjoy the festivities, cherish the moments with loved ones, and keep these tips in mind to outsmart the scammers. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 16 Dec. 2024

Sunday outsmarted Adam and Hannah with a ruse at Tribal Council. —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024

On fourth-and-1 at UCLA’s 17-yard line, quarterback Frank Tamburello outsmarted a Bruins defense expecting a sneak by pitching the ball to halfback Ed Vereb, who raced around the right end to score the game’s only touchdown on the opening series of the second half. —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 9 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

outsmart

verb

out·​smart (ˈ)au̇t-ˈsmärt 

: outwit