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 most important thing is effort. Our goal is nobody is going to outplay us.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2025

In 2000, millions tuned in to watch Richard Hatch outwit, outplay, and outlast his teammates and competitors to become the first Survivor.

From Slate • Oct. 27, 2024

If you want to outplay a team, you have to play forward with pace, Leicester had that in abundance.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2024

You don’t have to have seen “Survivor” in years to know the whole point is to outwit, outplay and outlast by any means necessary including betrayal.

From Salon • Feb. 24, 2024

Match yourself against the men who can outplay you, not against the men you already excel.

From If You Don't Write Fiction by Cushing, Charles Phelps

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