# outsmart

/ˈaʊtsˌmɑɹt/ (US) · /aʊtsmˈɑːt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/outsmart
Updated: 2026-10-14

## Definition

to beat someone by thinking in a smarter or cleverer way. You use it when good planning helps you win.

For teachers: to defeat or gain an advantage over someone through superior intelligence, planning, or cunning.

## Examples

- She outsmarts her brother in every board game.
- The small startup outsmarted larger rivals by offering simple prices and faster delivery.
- By anticipating the committee's objections and preparing detailed answers, she outsmarted critics who expected her proposal to fail.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.