all-out

1 of 2

adjective

ˈȯl-ˈau̇t 

1

: made with maximum effort : thoroughgoing

an all-out effort to win the contest

2

: full-blown sense 2

all out

2 of 2

adverb

: with full determination or enthusiasm : with maximum effort

—used chiefly in the phrase go all out

Synonyms of all-out

Adjective

• sheer
• utter
• unconditional
• complete
• absolute
• pure
• total
• outright
• simple
• definite
• perfect

Adverb

• full steam ahead
• like crazy
• to the hilt
• in full career
• thoroughly
• completely

Examples of all-out in a Sentence

Adjective

Grandpa got the all-out support of the family when he decided to remarry at age 72

an all-out effort to break open the door

Adverb

went all out for her New Year's Eve party—she even had fireworks!

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Many analysts expect that neither all-out war nor the diplomatic path will prevail in coming weeks. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

Renewed hostilities in the Gulf region pushed the Brent futures contract above $90 a barrel on Monday, as investors braced for a return to all-out war. — Anniek Bao,lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 20 July 2026

Adverb

Fans in Charlotte, meanwhile, had waited 18 years for the band’s return and were ready to go all out. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026

This became an all out crisis when almost 50,000 migrant children unexpectedly arrived in our public schools in 2023 and 2024, and many schools lacked staff who could communicate with these children. — Lincoln Restler, New York Daily News, 18 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1893, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for all-out

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

all-out

1 of 2 adjective

ˈȯ-ˈlau̇t

: made with maximum effort : extreme

an all-out attempt to finish on time

all out

2 of 2 adverb

: with maximum effort

went all out to win