Outmaneuver: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is used when one person or group effectively uses strategy or tactics to gain an advantage over another. It is often used in military or competitive sports situations.

• The general managed to outmaneuver the enemy forces and secure the hill.
• In the final minutes of the game, the team outmaneuvered their opponents and scored the winning goal.

This word is generally used to indicate using intelligence or cleverness to gain an advantage over someone, often in a more everyday context. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation of trickery.

• She managed to outsmart the pickpocket by keeping her valuables in a hidden pocket.
• The students outsmarted the teacher by figuring out the answer to the difficult riddle.

This word is often used similarly to 'outsmart', emphasizing the use of intelligence and cleverness to succeed, often in more cunning or crafty situations. It can sometimes imply a greater level of cunning.

• The cunning fox outwitted the hunting dogs and escaped.
• He tried to outwit his colleagues to get the promotion.

This word is best used in games or sports situations to indicate performing better than an opponent through skillful play.

• Despite being the underdogs, the local team outplayed their more experienced rivals.
• The chess champion outplayed every challenger with ease.

This term is used when describing a situation where someone uses skill and strategy to defeat or outwit an opponent, often implying a competitive setting.

• In chess, Gary was able to outmaneuver his opponent, winning the game

This word is best used when talking about finding a way through a physical or metaphorical space, often implying careful planning and direction.

• She had to navigate the complex streets of the new city to reach her destination

This term is suitable for situations where someone is facing challenges or obstacles and manages to defeat or deal successfully with them.

• Despite numerous setbacks, she managed to overcome all difficulties and graduated

Use this word when showing that someone or something exceeds an expectation, standard, or previous achievement. It suggests going beyond what was considered possible.

• His performance in the marathon surpassed everyone’s expectations