outwit

UK: /ˌaʊtˈwɪt/ US: /ˌaʊtˈwɪt/ ,(out′wit′)

Inflections of 'outwit' (v): (⇒ conjugate)

outwits

v 3rd person singular

outwitting

v pres p

outwitted

v past

outwitted

v past p

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

out•wit /ˌaʊtˈwɪt/   v. [~ + object] , -wit•ted, -wit•ting. 

1. to defeat or gain an advantage over (another) by greater cleverness;
   outsmart.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

out•wit  (out′wit′), v.t., -wit•ted, -wit•ting. 

1. to get the better of by superior ingenuity or cleverness;
   outsmart:
   to outwit a dangerous opponent.
2. [Archaic.] to surpass in wisdom or knowledge.

• out- + wit¹ 1645–55

Synonyms

• 1. outguess, outfox, outmaneuver, outthink, finesse.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

outwit / ˌaʊtˈwɪt/ verb ( -wits, -witting, -witted)(transitive)

1. to get the better of by cunning or ingenuity