outwit

verb

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

transitive verb

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

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.
Some 1,600 years ago, perhaps soldiers on the easternmost edge of the empire shuffled the slim bone tokens across a board, attempting to outwit their opponents. Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Jan. 2025 Here, souls gamble years of their lives with her, daring to outwit Death herself. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2025 In this environment, the Road Runner, having outwitted Wile E. Coyote's traps in all those cartoons, would wind up flattened against the tar. Tom Gliatto, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024 The Netflix series follows three families who will do just about anything to outbid — or outwit — the competition when their dream home finally goes on the market. Brande Victorian, Essence, 23 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near outwit

Cite this Entry

“Outwit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outwit. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

outwit

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

More from Merriam-Webster on outwit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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