inside out

adverb

1

: in such a manner that the inner surface becomes the outer

turned the shirt inside out

2

: to a thorough degree

knows the subject inside out

3

: in or into a state of disarray often involving drastic reorganization

turned the business inside out

Synonyms

• completely
• comprehensively
• detailedly
• exhaustively
• fully
• minutely
• roundly
• sweepingly
• systematically
• thoroughly
• through and through
• totally

Examples of inside out in a Sentence

after 20 years of employment there, he has come to know the company inside out

Recent Examples on the Web

To make your clothes last longer, wash them less frequently, use cold water, wash inside out, air dry and store them properly. —Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025

If your hoodie can be thrown in the washing machine, turn it inside out before washing it to protect the outer fabric and any decals. —Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025

Top trends: Tailoring was turned upside down and inside out, while layered dressing remains important and a bold ‘80s energy emerges, which were amplified by soundtrack choices. —Rhonda Richford, WWD, 12 Mar. 2025

Flagg found his rhythm by working inside out, first converting a pair of tough layups around the basket before knocking down his second 3-pointer of the night, assisted by Sion James. —C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for inside out

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

inside out

adverb

1

: in such a way that the inner surface becomes the outer

2

: to a thorough degree

knows the family history inside out