outwit

verb

out·​wit ˌau̇t-ˈwit 

outwitted; outwitting

transitive verb

1

: to get the better of by superior cleverness : outsmart

2

archaic : to surpass in wisdom

Synonyms

• fox
• outfox
• outmaneuver
• outslick
• outsmart
• outthink
• overreach

Examples of outwit in a Sentence

The fox managed to outwit the hunter by hiding in a tree.

They thought they had outwitted the new teacher.

Recent Examples on the Web

This is when Rowan finally lives up to her genius reputation and outwits the enemy with a brilliant scheme that takes advantage of her extra-strength magical powers. —Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 2 Mar. 2025

Divided into three tribes, the castaways must outwit and outplay one another until the final competitor is crowned the Sole Survivor and wins the $1 million prize. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025

The game is simple: can one player outwit, outplay and outlast 17 others isolated on a South Pacific island to win the $1 million prize? —David Morgan, CBS News, 20 Feb. 2025

The tribe has spoken and a new batch of competitors are about to outwit, outplay and outlast each other. —Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for outwit

• acquit
• admit
• amrit
• armpit
• backlit
• befit
• cockpit
• commit
• dalit
• dendrite
• emit
• illite

Kids Definition

outwit

verb

out·​wit au̇t-ˈwit 

outwitted; outwitting

: to get the better of by cleverness