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.
Several TikTok users offered their own stories of feline manipulation, turning the comment section into a community board for cat owners outwitted by their pets. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025 In reality, Israel overpowered Iran’s military and outwitted its intelligence with stunning efficiency, demonstrating years, if not decades, of careful preparation in under two weeks. Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 According to a profile in Bloomberg Businessweek, Peter spent his early adulthood getting outwitted in business by West Germans, originally as the bilked investor in a slot-machine racket. Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 19 May 2025 James Best played Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane, the comic-relief lawman constantly outwitted by the Dukes. Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 5 July 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Outwit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outwit. Accessed 21 Jul. 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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