outplay

[out-pley]

verb (used with object)

1. to play better than.

outplay

/ aʊtˈpleɪ /

verb

1. to perform better than one's opponent in a sport or game

Word History and Origins

Origin of outplay¹

First recorded in 1640–50; out- + play

Example Sentences

For England, they were completely outplayed but it does feel like a missed opportunity considering their dominant record against the Proteas, and that they had managed to avoid India or Australia.

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His team is full of talent and can now outplay sides in open play, keep clean sheets and, on top of that, they can score regularly from set-plays too.

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England's skillset was put under an intense microscope of scrutiny and criticism like never before after they were thoroughly outplayed by Australia last winter, but their attitude, fitness and professionalism was also in the spotlight.

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Still, you can do all of that, and still be outplayed.

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Those concerns came to fruition as they were subsequently outplayed by India, and there have been wobbles here at the World Cup - notably the batting collapses in near-misses against Bangladesh and Pakistan.

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Related Words

• beat 
• dominate 
• eclipse 
• excel 
• outdistance 
• outdo 
• outmatch 
• outpace 
• outperform 
• outrun 
• outshine