outwit

[ out-wit ]

verb (used with object)

, out·wit·ted, out·wit·ting.

1. to get the better of by superior ingenuity or cleverness; outsmart:

   to outwit a dangerous opponent.

   Synonyms: finesse, outthink, outmaneuver, outfox, outguess

2. Archaic. to surpass in wisdom or knowledge.

outwit

/ ˌaʊtˈwɪt /

verb

1. to get the better of by cunning or ingenuity
2. archaic.
   to be of greater intelligence than

Word History and Origins

Origin of outwit¹

First recorded in 1645–55; out- + wit ¹

Example Sentences

A few months later, she was sent off for Land Girl training, where Ron visited her and sent her coded letters in an attempt to outwit her mother.

From BBC

They’ll need to outwit him, first and foremost, and they prove that they can.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Slate

The second was to outwit the Israeli campaign — which included sabotaging nuclear installations and assassinating Iranian scientists — to prevent Iran from nuclear breakout.

From Los Angeles Times

“He thought he was the smartest guy in the room and he could outwit any prosecutor and win over the jury. It obviously didn’t work out in his favor.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• deceive
• outfox
• outmaneuver