as in to outwit
to get the better of through cleverness an inexpensive security system that would likely be outsmarted by anyone with a serious interest in circumventing it

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 outsmart Eventually, Iris gets her hands on Josh's phone and gains access to her own settings, giving her an opportunity to outsmart her human captors. Megan McCluskey, TIME, 31 Jan. 2025 Pudi, as usual, is as mischievous as ever in his relentless pursuit of climbing the corporate ladder, outsmarting his bosses—and perhaps even himself. Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025 The two brawl and Owen manages to outsmart her, knocking her out and locking her in the trunk of her car. Barry Levitt, TIME, 30 Jan. 2025 Timing an increase in your retirement contributions with a salary increase is a shrewd move that leverages behavioral economics principles to outsmart your brain and improve your long-term financial security. Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outsmart
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outsmart
Verb
  • 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
Verb
  • Besides, the Caribbean strife was thwarting trade and endangering American lives and livelihoods in the region. McKinley, sympathetic toward the rebels but not wanting war with Spain, dispatched a prominent Illinois trial lawyer to Cuba to study the situation and report back.
    Robert W. Merry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Each side involved must marshal the supplies, troops and firepower needed to sustain the fight, thwart advancing armies and, hopefully, prevail.
    Benjamin Jensen, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Despite providing historical records and even materials for a documentary on Bad Boy Entertainment in 2021, Burrowes says he was once again deceived and left unpaid for his contributions.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Photo : Volkswagen No, your eyes do not deceive you, a Volkswagen did earn itself a spot on the list of the greatest luxury vehicles of all time.
    Raphael Orlove, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The Cardinals defeated the Washington Nationals in Tuesday's exhibition in Palm Beach, Florida.
    Chantz Martin, Fox News, 6 Mar. 2025
  • In the bantamweight main event, Song Yadong defeated former two-division champion Henry Cejudo via technical decision after an eye poke left Cejudo unable to continue.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • This Netflix documentary follows three young Brooklyn sisters who join a community track team and, through their dedication to running (and with the support of their team), strive to overcome homelessness, family trauma, and financial struggles.
    Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
  • With all the hurdles Seavey has overcome as an artist, he’s not only been determined to solidify his spot in the industry as a solo artist, but to also make his mark.
    Kristen Wisneski, Billboard, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The governor’s better posture would be to concentrate on outmaneuvering and outfoxing Trump.
    David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Ultimately, the most challenging part of a campaign for Crimea may not be outfoxing Russia.
    Andriy Zagorodnyuk, Foreign Affairs, 2 Jan. 2023
Verb
  • Look for the producer, grape variety, region, and vintage, and don’t be fooled by flashy words.
    Emily Price, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Also, unlike its many imposters (and there are many similar looking wireless lamps out there, so don’t be fooled), the Poldina comes with a 1-year warranty on the battery and a 2-year warranty for any defects.
    Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Perhaps the shape rotators are convinced that computers can outthink us because their own minds are so impoverished.
    Becca Rothfeld, Washington Post, 26 June 2024
  • In a blog post, Google CEO Sundar Pichai predicted the technology underlying Gemini Advanced will be able to outthink even the smartest people when tackling many complex topics.
    Michael Liedtke, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Outsmart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outsmart. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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