outplay

verb

out·​play ˌau̇t-ˈplā How to pronounce outplay (audio)
outplayed; outplaying; outplays

transitive verb

: to play better than
especially : to outdo in playing a game
The Knicks took a 21-point lead in the first half, gave up 18 consecutive points in the third quarter, but outplayed the Kings down the stretch to win … The Times Union (Albany, New York)

Examples of outplay in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Both guys took plenty of first-team reps and Dean actualy outplayed White as a MIKE linebacker this summer. NBC News, 7 Sep. 2024 As for Huntley, he was outplayed in camp by second-year passer Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Zac Jackson, The Athletic, 29 Aug. 2024 Chimps can outplay humans in a strategy game, and New Caledonian Crows make their own tools that enable them to capture prey. Gary Stix, Scientific American, 17 Oct. 2024 Broncos have thoroughly outplayed Saints, but 13-7 would feel like a hollow victory at half. Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for outplay 

Word History

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of outplay was in 1702

Dictionary Entries Near outplay

Cite this Entry

“Outplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outplay. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

outplay

verb
out·​play
(ˈ)au̇t-ˈplā
: to play better than
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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