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 of inside out

• systematically
• thoroughly
• in detail
• at length
• from the ground up
• from stem to stern

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

Close Buttons and Zippers Before turning a garment inside out, close all types of fasteners (zippers, buttons, hooks, snaps) to prevent snags. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025

Finally, washing clothes that have beading or other embellishments, including delicate buttons, inside out will protect against damage. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2025

Elections officials might ask you to cover your campaign shirt with a jacket or turn it inside out. —Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Nov. 2025

While Ortega chose to wear her Ringo Bag with the glossy side out, it can also be flipped inside out to reveal a durable white canvas material. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 30 Aug. 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