outfox

verb

ˌau̇t-ˈfäks How to pronounce outfox (audio)
Definition of outfoxnext
as in to outwit
to get the better of through cleverness the prisoners outfoxed the guards by tunneling beneath the prison walls

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of outfox Hansi Flick stands in the iconic ground’s dugout, and a Mourinho believed to be past his best would have to find a way to outfox the German and unravel his high-scoring outfit with a defensive high line. — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 3 June 2026 But even foxes can outfox themselves by their own designs. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 20 Jan. 2026 Los Angeles had already outfoxed the 49ers in 2021 by trading for Matthew Stafford, who was also on Shanahan’s radar. — Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 2 Oct. 2025 No doubt remained that I’d been outfoxed. — Charles Elliott, Outdoor Life, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outfox
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outfox
  1. outwit
  2. outsmart
  3. outmaneuver
  4. thwart
  5. deceive
  6. defeat
  7. overcome
  8. fox
Verb
  • The show, which comes from Brent Montgomery’s Wheelhouse, brings together a group of strangers, in this case celebrity contestants, who must outwit their competition and identify the recipient of a million dollars hiding among them.
    — Peter White, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026
  • All season long, Ray and Sugar have been trying to outwit each other.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2026
Definition of outwit
Verb
  • The incident has been viewed as a warning sign for how AI models are learning to outsmart their human creators.
    — Elizabeth Schulze, ABC News, 22 Sep. 2026
  • But his efforts to outsmart the bond market – the deepest and most important market on the planet – have not lived up to the hype.
    — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of outsmart
Verb
  • Kettling was popularized in the 1990s, when activists started using information technologies to outmaneuver police attempting to disperse their protests.
    — Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers’ coach who doubles as McVay’s friend, mentor and nemesis, outmaneuvered McVay again.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of outmaneuver
Verb
  • Monroe thwarted Giulia’s attempt at a move from the top turnbuckle.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • In last Friday’s episode of the Outlander prequel, written by Toni Graphia and directed by Azhur Saleem, Ellen MacKenzie (Harriet Slater) rallies the women of her clan to thwart a surprise attack on Castle Leoch.
    — Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of thwart
Verb
  • But 3-0 marks can be deceiving heading into a battle of unbeatens at home against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Boulder County accused the fossil fuel companies of deceiving the general public about the dangers of their oil and gas operations and the associated greenhouse gas emissions through their advertising and marketing.
    — Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of deceive
Verb
  • Trump’s appearance in San Antonio comes as Republicans fight to keep Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico from defeating Paxton.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Unfortunately, the same forces that defeated previous permitting reform packages — primarily left-wing interest groups — are threatening to smother this legislation.
    — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of defeat
Verb
  • These sessions have helped Ellis develop a better understanding of the challenges others have overcome.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The three-time AL MVP played just seven games after May 31 because of a fractured rib and the leg injury, an absence the team couldn't overcome.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of overcome
Verb
  • Aged glass can develop dark spots and edge deterioration known as foxing.
    — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 14 Aug. 2026
  • That will require out-foxing Patriots defensive play-caller Zak Kuhr, whose pressure game plans suffocated the Chargers and Texans the past two weeks.
    — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 23 Jan. 2026
Definition of fox

Browse Nearby Words

outfought
outfox
outfoxed
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Cite this Entry

“Outfox.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outfox. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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