full-scale

adjective

ˈfu̇l-ˌskāl 

1

: identical to an original in proportion and size

full-scale drawing

2

a

: involving full use of available resources

a full-scale biography

full-scale war

b

: total, complete

A full-scale musical renaissance …

—Current Biography

Synonyms of full-scale

• thorough
• extensive
• comprehensive
• complete
• sweeping
• exhaustive

Examples of full-scale in a Sentence

a full-scale search and rescue for the victims of the rock slide

Recent Examples on the Web

Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure since launching its full-scale invasion in 2022, using waves of missiles and drones to cripple power generation in an apparent effort to erode morale and hit the economy. —Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 11 Jan. 2026

Over time, that hobby expanded into a full-scale homesteading operation. —Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 11 Jan. 2026

With film and television sharing equal footing, the arrivals tend to reflect a wider range of style instincts, from full-scale glamour to simpler, but still as captivating ensembles. —Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026

Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 prompted unified Western sanctions, massive military aid, and rhetorical solidarity, but by late 2025, strategic divergences had widened amid battlefield stalemates, economic fatigue, and diplomatic initiatives. —Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for full-scale

• airmail
• assail
• avail
• bewail
• blackmail
• cattail
• cocktail
• curtail
• derail
• detail
• dovetail
• email

Kids Definition

full-scale

adjective

ˈfu̇l-ˈskā(ə)l

1

: identical to an original in size

2

: not limited in any way : using everything that can be used

a full-scale war