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Showing results for outplay. Search instead for outplaying.
Synonyms

outplay

American  
[aut-play] / ˌaʊtˈpleɪ /

verb (used with object)

  1. to play better than.


outplay British  
/ aʊtˈpleɪ /

verb

  1. 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.

See Examples For:

Equity receivership, a bankruptcy-like proceeding used to reorganize troubled companies, was a favorite method that many of these tycoons deployed to outplay their rivals.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026

“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

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

I know that Judith Stearns can outplay you.

From Jane Allen: Right Guard by Edith Bancroft

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