outwits

VERB

get the better of; figure out before another

Synonyms

WEAK

baffle bamboozle beat bewilder cap cheat circumvent con confuse deceive defeat defraud dupe end-run fake out finagle fox goose gull have hoax hoodwink lead astray make a fool of make a monkey of mislead outdo outfox outgeneral outguess outjockey outmaneuver outthink overreach pull a fast one on put one over on run circles around swindle take in top trick worst

VERB

deceive

Synonyms

STRONGEST

deceive outfox outmaneuver

STRONG

baffle bamboozle beat bewilder cap cheat circumvent con confuse defeat defraud dupe finagle fox goose gull have hoax hoodwink mislead outdo outgeneral outguess outsmart overreach swindle top trick worst

WEAK

end run fake out figure out juke lead astray outjockey outthink take in

Antonyms

STRONG

abet aid assist be honest clear up encourage enlighten explain give guard help lose protect support surrender

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"This is a self-reliant character who outwits those trying to exploit her with silent grit and steely determination. Momin slipped into this feminist folklore with quiet understanding."

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

He shot to fame in a popular television series, "Servant of the People", in which he played an honest school teacher who is elected president and outwits crooked lawmakers and shadowy businessmen.

From Reuters • Jun. 1, 2022

Arte Moreno outwits the city of Anaheim out of $175 million.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 11, 2020

Like “Figaro,” “La Scuola” is a lyrical comedy involving jealous lovers of various classes, including a countess who outwits her philandering count.

From The New Yorker • May 27, 2019

She turned her head to look at Ash and added, “She even outwits the Fairy Queen.”

From "Ash" by Malinda Lo