Standard Lemma guide

outplay

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /aʊtˈpleɪ/
  • rhymes with -eɪ

1

verb

Meaning 1

To excel or defeat in a game; to play better than.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • We were outplayed at tennis, but we outplayed them at football.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

excel or defeat in a game

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The Knicks outplayed the Lakers

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: beat, beat out, crush, shell, trounce, vanquish

History

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *úd Proto-Germanic *ūt Proto-Germanic *ūt- Old English ūt- Middle English ut- English out- English play English outplay From out- + play.