verb

outsmart

owt-SMAHT

Outsmart (verb) means to defeat someone by being cleverer or more cunning. Example: “The prey managed to outsmart the predator and escape.”

verb

To defeat someone by being cleverer or more cunning.

"The prey managed to outsmart the predator and escape."

"She outsmarted her opponent with a clever final move."

How to use outsmart

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo beat someone using cleverness rather than force.

Easily confused with

outwit →

Common pairings

outsmart an opponent try to outsmart

outsmarted past tense, outsmarts singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Can you complete this real example?

The prey managed to _____ the predator and escape.

beat circumvent outwit outfox overreach outmaneuver outmanoeuvre

hit police round fall attack beat wonderful measure

What does “outsmart” mean?

The word “outsmart” means to defeat someone by being cleverer or more cunning. In plain terms, to beat someone using cleverness rather than force.

How do you pronounce “outsmart”?

“Outsmart” is pronounced owt-SMAHT (/aʊtˈsmɑː(ɹ)t/ in IPA).

How do you use “outsmart” in a sentence?

Here is “outsmart” used in a sentence: “The prey managed to outsmart the predator and escape.”

What part of speech is “outsmart”?

“Outsmart” is a verb.

hit police round fall attack beat wonderful measure