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Synonyms

outmaneuver

American  
[aut-muh-noo-ver] / ˌaʊt məˈnu vər /

verb (used with object)

  1. to outwit, defeat, or frustrate by maneuvering.

  2. to outdo or surpass in maneuvering or maneuverability.


Etymology

Origin of outmaneuver

First recorded in 1790–1800; out- + maneuver


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Iranian negotiators for years have used pressure tactics and last-minute changes of venue and topic to try to outmaneuver their counterparts.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 4, 2026

The move provided a clear advantage on the offensive end, where Bilodeau could outmaneuver slower counterparts while not giving up anything on defense given the struggles of Booker and ongoing foul trouble of Steven Jamerson.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 3, 2026

Instead, they must be creative, they must surprise their opponents, and they must outmaneuver them with the internet and social media.

From Seattle Times ● May 29, 2024

By deploying thousands of autonomous UAVs, USVs, UUVs and UGVs, she suggested, the U.S. military would be able to outwit, outmaneuver, and overpower China’s military, the People’s Liberation Army.

From Salon ● Feb. 24, 2024

Kennedy's ability to outmaneuver Khrushchev, and to assess the threat at America's doorstep, depended on the flow of secret intelligence passed to Janet Chisholm in a Moscow park.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau

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