outplay

verb

out·​play ˌau̇t-ˈplā How to pronounce outplay (audio)
outplayed; outplaying; outplays

transitive verb

: to play better than
especially : to outdo in playing a game
The Knicks took a 21-point lead in the first half, gave up 18 consecutive points in the third quarter, but outplayed the Kings down the stretch to win … —The Times Union (Albany, New York)

Examples of outplay in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Dodgers were clearly outplayed by the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLCS, but there were other factors in the Dodgers’ failed attempt to win three consecutive World Series titles. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 Texas may have outplayed them, but the very clear flaws in Manning's game cost them the result. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026 Mark Jankowski, Sebastian Aho and Taylor Hall also scored for the defending Stanley Cup champions who won their fourth in a row and outplayed the Blackhawks, outshooting them 39-26 and winning the majority of the faceoffs. — ABC News, 10 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile Kane outscored him and PSG outplayed Real Madrid all over Europe. — Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outplay

Word History

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of outplay was in 1702

Rhymes for outplay

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Browse Nearby Words

outplant
outplay
outplot
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Cite this Entry

“Outplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outplay. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

outplay

verb
out·​play
(ˈ)au̇t-ˈplā
: to play better than
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