OUT-AND-OUT Synonyms: 108 Similar and Opposite Words

out-and-out

adjective

ˌau̇t-ᵊn(d)-ˈau̇t

Definition of out-and-out

as in utter

having no exceptions or restrictions an out-and-out cheater at every game she plays her story is not just an exaggeration, it's an out-and-out lie

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in thorough

trying all possibilities mounted an out-and-out effort to find the lost child

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 out-and-out Meanwhile, his warm, delicate handling of, for the first time, an out-and-out love story should entice a wider audience to this Cannes competition entry. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 21 May 2026 With some franchises in this intensely competitive market, stockpiling high picks and doing a rebuild is frowned upon if not out-and-out rejected by fans. — Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 5 Mar. 2026 With no out-and-out striker other than bit-part Goncalo Ramos, Luis Enrique wants a versatile front man with Alvarez fitting that bill perfectly. — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 Signing an attacker — preferably with versatility and the ability to play across the front line, like Gordon, rather than merely an out-and-out left-winger — is of the utmost priority, alongside bringing in a new No 1. — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for out-and-out

Recent Examples of Synonyms for out-and-out

Adjective

Questioning, if not rejecting, established Christian doctrine, Ahab also comes to regard Moby Dick as the outward and visible sign, the physical embodiment of the indifference or, worse, utter malignity inherent in the universe.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
But the nation’s summer has been an utter slog, lacking the identity and joy on the pitch that spectators have come to expect.

— Doha Madani, NBC news, 5 July 2026

Definition of utter

Adjective

Each specimen was weighed and put in the same-sized containers filled with superworm larvae to determine the optimal ratio of larvae to specimen for thorough cleaning without damaging bones.

— Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 1 July 2026
Those subtle cues usually reveal whether housekeeping is thorough or simply surface-level.

— Molly Burford, Southern Living, 1 July 2026

Definition of thorough

Adjective

The sleeveless gown featured a semi-sheer corset bodice with a curtain of lace foliage that cascaded down past the thigh-high slit, forming an elegant silhouette.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 5 July 2026
Nonetheless, some 120,000 Mint Juleps are consumed across two sunny days at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby, proving that some cocktails can become refreshing daytime summer sippers just by sheer force of will, and a little crushed ice.

— Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 4 July 2026

Definition of sheer

Adjective

Barrett and Jackson each reported the most extensive travel of court justices promoting their books in 2025.

— Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Just south of the circle, subsequent construction of the Icon Miami complex, though, destroyed extensive additional evidence of Tequesta occupation in the bedrock, including scores of holes likely dug for wooden dwelling support posts.

— Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026

Definition of extensive

Adjective

Ramp, the corporate card and expense management company backed by Iconiq and valued at $44 billion, is now Senra’s largest advertiser and, by CEO Glyman’s own description, an unconditional backer.

— Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 5 July 2026
At its deepest level, this work is fueled by unconditional love—not sentimental or passive love but love as discipline, courage and commitment.

— Yujia Zhu, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of unconditional

Adjective

Roupp fought to stay in the game and record the first complete game of his career, but at 104 pitches, Vitello went to his bullpen to seal the blowout win instead of pushing his starter.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
These days, a complete Wirkkala set can fetch upwards of $3,600.

— Jessica Salter, CNN Money, 7 July 2026

Definition of complete

Adjective

This World Cup has been bringing the absolute goods from day one.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
The last decade has been an absolute whirlwind for the 38-year-old film school graduate, who could have never dreamed of the success he’s enjoyed as a YouTube personality with over 10 million subscribers (and counting).

— Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of absolute

Adjective

Ezra Jin, the founder of Zion Church, was among dozens of members caught up in a sweeping crackdown by Chinese authorities late last year.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
His use of the presidency’s sweeping ability to unilaterally grant pardons and commute sentences is among the ways the Republican’s return to office has featured an expansive use of executive power.

— Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of sweeping

Browse Nearby Words

out

out-and-out

out at elbows

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“Out-and-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/out-and-out. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of out-and-out

adjective

Example Sentences

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