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

While the delicate fabric does wrinkle, creases come out easily with a low-heat iron — just be sure to turn the dress inside out first. —Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026

Like all Jim Harbaugh teams, the Bolts were built from inside out; built to bully, outlast and out-tough you. —Andrew Callahan, Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 2026

Discover the benefits of washing jeans inside out and learn the best practices for maintaining their color and quality. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2026

Turn clothes inside out, use lower temperatures, separate by fabric type, and air dry to avoid friction. —Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 1 Jan. 2026

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