online vocabulary.com

Outsmart - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Outsmart means to defeat or gain an advantage over someone by being cleverer or more cunning. It involves using intelligence or strategy to outwit an opponent or solve a problem.

outsmart

/aʊtˈsmɑrt/ /aʊtˈsmɑːt/

Definition:

To defeat or gain an advantage over someone by being clever or cunning.

Synonyms:

outwit, outmaneuver, outthink, deceive

Part of Speech:

verb

Antonyms:

succumb, surrender, yield

Common Collocations:

outsmart an opponent, try to outsmart, easily outsmarted

Derivatives:

outsmarted, outsmarting, outsmarts

Usage Tips:

Use "outsmart" when describing cleverly overcoming someone or something through intelligence or strategy.

Common Phrases:

too clever by half, play someone for a fool, one-up someone

Etymology:

Derived from "out-" (beyond) + "smart" (intelligent), first used in the early 20th century.

Examples:

  • 1. She tried to outsmart her brother in the game.
  • 2. The detective outsmarted the thief with a clever trap.
  • 3. Don’t think you can easily outsmart me!
  • 4. He always finds a way to outsmart his rivals.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS