outthink

American  

[out-thingk] / ˌaʊtˈθɪŋk /

verb (used with object)

outthought, outthinking

1. to excel in thinking; think; think faster, more accurately, or more perceptively than.

   outthinking most of her contemporaries in the field of human relations.

2. to get the advantage of (someone) by quick or clever thinking; think; outwit.

   only a split second to outthink his opponent.

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outthink British  

/ ˌaʊtˈθɪŋk /

verb

1. to outdo in thinking

2. to outwit

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Etymology

Origin of outthink

First recorded in 1695–1705; out- + think ¹

Example Sentences

He has been telling anyone who asks that he thinks large language models, or LLMs, are a dead end in the pursuit of computers that can truly outthink humans.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 15, 2025

In a blog post, Google CEO Sundar Puchai predicted the technology underlying Gemini Advanced will be able to outthink even the smartest people when tackling many complex topics.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 8, 2024

To free herself from the trap Eccles has set for her, Tessa must do what she does best: Use her brain power to outthink her predatory thesis adviser.

From Washington Post • Dec. 31, 2021

This was a collection of women blasting ball after ball after ball, mostly trying to pummel opponents into submission rather than outthink them.

From New York Times • Nov. 18, 2021

The important thing was to outthink the enemy, find his weakness, let him have his moment of exultation.

From "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman