outmaneuver
Beat through strategy
To outmaneuver is to gain advantage over an opponent through superior strategy or positioning.
The word comes from military contexts—troops outmaneuvering enemy forces—but applies broadly to any competitive situation: She outmaneuvered her rivals for the promotion, The smaller company outmaneuvered the industry giant.
Also spelled outmanoeuvre in British English.
Defeat through superior performance
- outsmartDefeat through superior cunning
- outwitBeat through superior cunning
- outpaceExceed in velocity
- outclassExceed in quality
edge · advantage · defeat · triumph · victory · dominance · overcome · surpass
Defeat through superior cunning
- outwitBeat through superior cunning
- cunningSly, scheming cleverness
- shrewdPractically clever, perceptive
- astuteMentally sharp, discerning
resourcefulness · ingenuity · quick-witted · craftiness · savvy · nimble · adroit · deft
Methods to achieve goals
- gameplanPredetermined course of action
- planningArranging for future events
- schemeCalculated strategy, often secretive
- approachWay of handling something
outthink · outplay · outsmart · countermove · positioning · anticipation · foresight · calculation
Deceptive mock attack
- bluffCalculated false front
- misdirectionIntentional focus manipulation
- ruseDeliberate act of deception
- subterfugeDeliberate deception to conceal
trickery · decoy · diversion · mislead · bamboozle · hoodwink · guile · artifice
Side of body
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- encircleSurround on all sides
- pincerGrasping claw organ
- feintDeceptive mock attack
outflank · counterattack · evasion · reconnaissance · guerrilla · skirmish · siege · retreat
Advocating to decision-makers
- coalitionTemporary alliance for action
- blocAllied group sharing interests
- filibusterDelaying tactic through speech
- gerrymanderPartisan boundary manipulation
backroom · dealmaking · spin · leverage · machination · powerplay · alliance · opposition
outplay
Defeat through superior performance
outclass · edge · advantage · defeat · triumph · victory · dominance · overcome · surpass · prevail
outsmart
Defeat through superior cunning
- outwitBeat through superior cunning
- cunningSly, scheming cleverness
- shrewdPractically clever, perceptive
astute · resourcefulness · ingenuity · quick-witted · craftiness · savvy · nimble · adroit · deft · sharp
tactics
Methods to achieve goals
- gameplanPredetermined course of action
- planningArranging for future events
- schemeCalculated strategy, often secretive
approach · outthink · outplay · outsmart · countermove · positioning · anticipation · foresight · calculation · preparation
feint
Deceptive mock attack
- bluffCalculated false front
- misdirectionIntentional focus manipulation
- ruseDeliberate act of deception
subterfuge · trickery · decoy · diversion · mislead · bamboozle · hoodwink · guile · artifice · stratagem
flank
Side of body
feint · outflank · counterattack · evasion · reconnaissance · guerrilla · skirmish · siege · retreat · advance
lobbying
Advocating to decision-makers
- coalitionTemporary alliance for action
- blocAllied group sharing interests
- filibusterDelaying tactic through speech
gerrymander · backroom · dealmaking · spin · leverage · machination · powerplay · alliance · opposition · caucus
- cunning tacticscunning, guile, ruse, ploy, stratagem
- dominateovercome, surpass, subdue, prevail, conquer
- mind gamesmind game, head game, head games, mind games, intimidation
- strategystrategy, grand strategy, tactics, tactic, tactical
- outout, outside, outdoor, outdoors, outsider
- combat movestackle, lunge, dodge, feint, jab