Definition

Verb: - To perform better than an opponent in a game or sport; to defeat or excel through superior skill or performance.

Usage

The verb "outplay" is used to describe a situation where one competitor or team demonstrates a clear and decisive superiority over another within the context of a game, match, or competitive activity. It focuses on the quality of performance rather than just the final score, though a victory is typically implied.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "to be outplayed" (passive voice): To be defeated by a superior performance.
  • The visiting team was simply outplayed in every aspect of the game.
• Used figuratively in non-sporting competitive contexts (e.g., business, politics, debate).
  • In the negotiations, our firm outplayed theirs by anticipating every move.

Variants and Related Words

• Outplayed (verb, past tense/participle): The state of having been defeated by superior play.
  • They felt outplayed and demoralized after the match.
• Outplaying (verb, present participle/gerund): The act of performing better than an opponent.
  • Her consistent outplaying of top seeds has been remarkable.

Synonyms

• Outperform: To perform better than.
• Outclass: To be of a much higher standard than.
• Outmaneuver: To gain an advantage through superior strategy or movement.

Antonyms

• Underperform: To perform less well than expected.
• Lose to: To be defeated by.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• To be outplayed at one's own game: To be defeated by someone using the very skills or strategies you are known for.
  • The veteran politician was outplayed at his own game by the young reformer.

Verb

1. excel or defeat in a game
   • The Knicks outplayed the Lakers