outwit

verb

out·​wit ˌau̇t-ˈwit How to pronounce outwit (audio)
outwitted; outwitting
Synonyms of outwitnext

transitive verb

1
: to get the better of by superior cleverness : outsmart
2
archaic : to surpass in wisdom

Synonyms of outwit

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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
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.
Diagnose the monster before deciding which mind and which move are required to outwit it. — Jeff Degraff, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026 The show, which comes from Brent Montgomery’s Wheelhouse, brings together a group of strangers, in this case celebrity contestants, who must outwit their competition and identify the recipient of a million dollars hiding among them. — Peter White, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026 All season long, Ray and Sugar have been trying to outwit each other. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2026 To say that Cucurella was pleased, when the Spanish side outwitted the French in the semifinal, would be an understatement. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for outwit

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outwit was circa 1630

Rhymes for outwit

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Browse Nearby Words

outwinter
outwit
outwith
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

outwit

verb
out·​wit au̇t-ˈwit How to pronounce outwit (audio)
outwitted; outwitting
: to get the better of by cleverness
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