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

The federal government has led an all-out assault on renewables, quashing the development of offshore wind, solar and the like, in favor of a reinvigorated embrace of fossil fuels. —Alex Kuffner, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026

The primary objective is to reach a workable understanding before the current ceasefire — set to expire around April 22 — ends in order to prevent a return to all-out-war. —Imtiaz Tyab, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026

Adverb

December is also a special time of year in Naples because the city goes all out for the holidays. —Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2026

Weekend 2 of Coachella 2026 also happened to be PinkPantheress’ birthday, and the girl went all out. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 19 Apr. 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