all-out

1 of 2

adjective

1
: made with maximum effort : thoroughgoing
an all-out effort to win the contest
2

all out

2 of 2

adverb

: with full determination or enthusiasm : with maximum effort
used chiefly in the phrase go all out

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
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.
Adjective
Just after the attacks, oil prices spiked to a five-month high on escalating Middle East tensions that some feared would break out into an all-out war and possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for transporting oil around the world. Medora Lee, USA Today, 24 June 2025 Depending on the severity of the case, constipation can cause bloating, discomfort, and even all-out pain—not exactly a recipe for a fun time. Caroline Tien, SELF, 24 June 2025
Adverb
There are many heroes, both men and women who acted bravely and selflessly to prevent an all out catastrophe. Nick Lentz, CBS News, 24 June 2025 India have spent most of its proceedings so far on top, centuries from captain Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant in the first innings helping the tourists to a commanding 471 all out against England. Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 22 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for all-out

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1893, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of all-out was in 1840

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“All-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/all-out. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on all-out

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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