outfox

verb

ˌau̇t-ˈfäks How to pronounce outfox (audio)
Definition of outfoxnext
as in to outwit
to get the better of through cleverness the prisoners outfoxed the guards by tunneling beneath the prison walls

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of outfox Hansi Flick stands in the iconic ground’s dugout, and a Mourinho believed to be past his best would have to find a way to outfox the German and unravel his high-scoring outfit with a defensive high line. — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 3 June 2026 But even foxes can outfox themselves by their own designs. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 20 Jan. 2026 Los Angeles had already outfoxed the 49ers in 2021 by trading for Matthew Stafford, who was also on Shanahan’s radar. — Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 2 Oct. 2025 No doubt remained that I’d been outfoxed. — Charles Elliott, Outdoor Life, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outfox
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outfox
  1. outwit
  2. outsmart
  3. outmaneuver
  4. thwart
  5. deceive
  6. defeat
  7. overcome
  8. fox
Verb
  • 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
Definition of outwit
Verb
  • Despite Riyadh’s considerable air defenses and vast military spending, the militants have been able to outsmart the systems using relatively cheap drones and missiles.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • In his younger days, Presnell seemed to enjoy outsmarting people.
    — Thomas Lake, AJC.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of outsmart
Verb
  • The original 1960s cars had legendary status dominating the Monte Carlo Rally, outmaneuvering heavier machinery across icy mountain passes with lightweight agility rather than brute off-road hardware.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Oct. 2026
  • And Michael and Olivia don’t exactly outmaneuver their opponents.
    — Noel Murray, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of outmaneuver
Verb
  • Scott McNutt of Robbinsville, New Jersey, argues that the ban, which was put in place to thwart tax evasion, is unconstitutional.
    — Gretchen Reynolds, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Katie’s out here trying to get people to vote for Michael at the roundtable in order to thwart Victor’s plans to get Tomica out.
    — Alice Burton, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of thwart
Verb
  • The evidence does not establish that Claude deliberately set out to deceive investigators.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Until Holmes, the characters in Oppenheim’s documentaries had been relative unknowns — people with far less incentive to deceive him.
    — Alex Barasch, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of deceive
Verb
  • Jackson was suspended for striking Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb in the face after the Bills defeated the Rams, 37-34, in overtime on Monday night.
    — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Voters, though, decisively defeated a repeal measure in 1942.
    — Jeremy Kohler, ProPublica, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of defeat
Verb
  • For now, the study identifies a previously underappreciated part of the immune system that could help overcome one of SCLC’s most persistent defenses.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
  • But Gordon has emerged as Miami’s clear lead back, capable of overcoming a poor situation.
    — Dalton Del Don, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of overcome
Verb
  • Aged glass can develop dark spots and edge deterioration known as foxing.
    — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 14 Aug. 2026
  • That will require out-foxing Patriots defensive play-caller Zak Kuhr, whose pressure game plans suffocated the Chargers and Texans the past two weeks.
    — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 23 Jan. 2026
Definition of fox

Browse Nearby Words

outfought
outfox
outfoxed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outfox.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outfox. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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