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.
Another early hole The Lightning outplayed the Canadiens for much of the first period but couldn’t score the opening goal. Eduardo A. Encina, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 May 2026 That could impact the situation of Clarke, who outplayed Doughty and usurped his former position on the power play but logged fewer minutes at right defense just the same. Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 2 May 2026 Jaden McDaniels outplayed Murray. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 2 May 2026 Minnesota was faster, and the Stars’ best players — forward Mikko Rantanen especially — were outplayed. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 May 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Outplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outplay. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

outplay

verb
out·​play
(ˈ)au̇t-ˈplā
: to play better than
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