Synonyms

outplay

American

[out-pley] / ˌaʊtˈpleɪ /

verb (used with object)

to play better than.

outplay British

/ aʊtˈpleɪ /

verb

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of outplay

First recorded in 1640–50; out- + play

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.

The champions were largely outplayed by their city rivals and Garcia kept them afloat in the derby clash against his former side before substitute Olmo curled home in the 86th minute.

From Barron's

However, Celtic were then outplayed and outfought on Tuesday as Motherwell swept to a fully deserved 2-0 win, and anger from Fir Park's away end was apparent throughout.

From BBC

But despite showing more grit, they were again outplayed by an Australian team who suffered a setback with spin wizard Nathan Lyon hurting his hamstring and hobbling off.

From Barron's

We walked off in front of 85,000 people knowing we had been thoroughly outplayed.

From BBC

Wales responded by producing one of their greatest performances, thoroughly outplaying the World Cup semi-finalists in front of a raucous Cardiff City Stadium crowd.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023