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

For instance, Payne found that the models were often willing to resort to the use of tactical nuclear weapons, and in some cases were willing to launch an all-out nuclear war rather than back down. —Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 24 Feb. 2026

Huppert entreats her to help locate this potentially deadly ancient tome, and assist in furnishing an all-out vampire gala in the process (replete, again, with dazzling looks). —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 18 Feb. 2026

Adverb

Wembanyama and Edwards played tirelessly on both ends and inspired others, like former Spur Kawhi Leonard — who later scored 31 points against Wemby’s Team World squad — to go all out. —Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 21 Feb. 2026

All in all, an enchanting evening—and a great reminder to not wait until the kids are all grown up to go all out. —Melissa Petro, Travel + Leisure, 19 Feb. 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