Outplayed: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in the context of games or sports where one player or team outperforms another through skill.

• They were completely outplayed in the second half.
• She outplayed all her opponents in the chess tournament.

Used to describe situations where someone or something shows much higher quality or skill than others, often in a more formal or academic context.

• The new smartphone outclassed all its competitors.
• Her performance in the debate outclassed everyone else’s.

Involves using intelligence or cleverness to gain an advantage over someone, often in a tricky or cunning way.

• The thief outsmarted the security system.
• She outsmarted him in the negotiation by getting the better deal.

Similar to outsmart, but often suggests a more cunning or strategic approach, sometimes with a slightly negative or sly connotation.

• He outwitted his opponents with a clever ruse.
• The fox outwitted the hunters by escaping through a hidden tunnel.

Typically used in more tactical or strategic situations, like business or military scenarios, where one gains an advantage through skillful planning.

• They managed to outmaneuver their competitors with a new marketing strategy.
• The general outmaneuvered the enemy forces with a surprise attack.

General expression for doing better than someone in various fields, such as work, creativity, or skill.

• He always tries to outdo his colleagues by working late.
• She outdid herself with this year's holiday decorations.