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

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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Considering how thoroughly they have outplayed their opponents in this postseason, how great would the Dodgers be if they had a half-decent bullpen?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But even when they seemingly made the right calls, they were simply outplayed.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Rams keep finding ways to win, even when they get outplayed for stretches.

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Related Words

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