Outwit: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone uses intelligence or cunning to defeat someone else. Often seen in situations where there is a mental challenge or trickery involved.

• She managed to outwit her competitors with a clever marketing strategy
• The hero had to outwit the villain to escape the trap

Refers to someone being more intelligent or clever than another in a given situation, often used in everyday scenarios.

• The students managed to outsmart their teacher by finding a loophole in the assignment
• The thief outsmarted the police and escaped undetected

Used when someone uses deeper or more strategic thinking to get ahead of someone else, showing a higher level of intellectual planning.

• The chess player was able to outthink his opponent several moves ahead
• In business, you need to outthink your competitors to stay ahead in the market

Used in situations where someone uses their skill, agility, or tactical advantage to gain the upper hand, typically in physical or strategic scenarios.

• The race car driver outmaneuvered his opponents to take the lead
• The general outmaneuvered the enemy forces by using the terrain to his advantage

Again, this word is best used to describe situations where intelligence and cleverness are paramount in gaining an edge over someone or something.

• The fox outwitted the hunters and escaped unscathed.
• In business, he always finds a way to outwit his competitors.

Implies using intelligence and cleverness to achieve an advantage, often in everyday situations.

• She managed to outsmart her siblings and sneak the last cookie from the jar.
• He thought he could cheat, but the teacher outsmarted him by changing the questions.

Typically used in situations involving competition or conflict, where physical or strategic moves are made to gain an advantage.

• The general outmaneuvered the enemy troops with a surprise attack.
• During the chess match, he outmaneuvered his opponent with a brilliant series of moves.

Usually applied when someone uses cunning or sly methods to achieve a goal, often in a playful or slightly deceptive manner.

• The detective outfoxed the criminal mastermind at his own game.
• She outfoxed her opponent by pretending to be weak.