outscheming
Winning through cunning
Outscheming means surpassing someone in scheming—devising cleverer plots or more cunning strategies than an opponent.
The word implies a contest of wits where one party's machinations prove superior: She spent months outscheming her rivals for the promotion.
It suggests deliberate, often underhanded planning rather than straightforward competition.
Underhanded and calculating
- slyCleverly deceptive
- craftyCleverly deceptive
- wilySkilled at deception
- guilefulInclined toward deception
artful · shrewd · conniving · calculating · cagey · astute · slick · underhanded
Methods to achieve goals
- planningArranging for future events
- maneuveringSkillful directional control
- outmaneuveringDefeating through superior tactics
- outthinkingDefeating through cleverness
outplaying · anticipation · counterplot · countermove · gambit · stratagem · feint · ploy
Devising a secret plan
- conspiracyClandestine coordinated scheming
- intrigueSecret plotting or fascination
- subterfugeDeliberate deception to conceal
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
treachery · betrayal · backstabbing · sabotage · espionage · misinformation · misdirection · smokescreen
Enemy in conflict
- opponentOne who contends against
- nemesisPersistent source of ruin
- antagonistOne who opposes another
- competitorOne striving against others
rival · foe · enemy · contest · one-upmanship · besting · defeating · outwitting
devious
Underhanded and calculating
guileful · artful · shrewd · conniving · calculating · cagey · astute · slick · underhanded · furtive
tactics
Methods to achieve goals
- planningArranging for future events
- maneuveringSkillful directional control
- outmaneuveringDefeating through superior tactics
outthinking · outplaying · anticipation · counterplot · countermove · gambit · stratagem · feint · ploy · ruse
plotting
Devising a secret plan
- conspiracyClandestine coordinated scheming
- intrigueSecret plotting or fascination
- subterfugeDeliberate deception to conceal
manipulation · treachery · betrayal · backstabbing · sabotage · espionage · misinformation · misdirection · smokescreen · trap
adversary
Enemy in conflict
- opponentOne who contends against
- nemesisPersistent source of ruin
- antagonistOne who opposes another
competitor · rival · foe · enemy · contest · one-upmanship · besting · defeating · outwitting · outfoxing
outschemingyielding
Bending under pressure
acquiescing · submitting · capitulating · disengaging · withdrawing
scheme, scheming, schemes, schemer, schematic, schematics, schemers, schematically, schematize