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

Fortunately, its immersive-sim interactivity and stealth movement are still available to you when all-out war begins, so things never become dull or repetitive for my tastes. —Alex James Kane, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

Bond's relative lack of experience and finesse also feeds into the chaos of all-out brawls. —Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 29 May 2026

Adverb

For a no-makeup makeup look, wear the product on its own with a simple swipe of mascara; or go all out by adding concealer, eyeshadow, and lipstick for a full-glam moment. —Jenny Berg, Glamour, 29 May 2026

Some nail artists go all out with bold 3D lime decals that encapsulate the entire nail, while others opt for sleek lime green details on a nude base. —Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 29 May 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