all-out

1 of 2

adjective

Synonyms of all-outnext
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
The body politic wages war against itself in Shakespeare’s tragedy, and the all-out battle makes for a gripping spectacle in Griffith Park. Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 They had been engaged in intensive talks through the night, attempting to halt what appeared to be a spiral back into all-out war, a diplomat briefed on the talks said. E. Eduardo Castillo, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026
Adverb
Ferguson went all out on his groomsmen gifts, giving custom golf putters and Rolexes, per the outlet. Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026 Even Stevens was never afraid to go all out for its constant string of gags and jokes, led by Shia LaBeouf as the immature prankster Louis Stevens. Christian Holub, Entertainment Weekly, 21 June 2026 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

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“All-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/all-out. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

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

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