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 return of diplomats to their posts would suggest Washington is not anticipating a return to all-out warfare. — Chloe Taylor,spencer Kimball, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026

And this morning, Americans are now bracing for an all-out trade war with one of our closest allies and also our neighbor to the north. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026

Adverb

Smith left little trace on the scorecard as England moved to 409 all out, looking relatively becalmed for a 52-ball stay largely played alongside the tail. — Ben Jones, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

For $6/month, viewers can watch all out-of-market live preseason action on NFL+, unless the game airs on a national network, as is the case Thursday night when ESPN covers Fernando Mendoza and the Las Vegas Raiders’ trip to play the Houston Texans. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 20 Aug. 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