all-out 1 of 2

adjective

ˈȯl-ˈau̇t How to pronounce all-out (audio)
Definition of all-outnext
1
as in sheer
having no exceptions or restrictions Grandpa got the all-out support of the family when he decided to remarry at age 72

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in thorough
trying all possibilities an all-out effort to break open the door

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

all out

2 of 2

adverb

as in full steam ahead
with all power or resources being used went all out for her New Year's Eve party—she even had fireworks!

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of all-out
Adjective
Kryvyi Rih has been hit multiple times during the 4½-year all-out war between Russia and Ukraine, with one of the deadliest occurring in April 2025, when 20 people were killed, including nine children. — Volodymyr Yurchuk, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026 An all-out municipal effort has reduced cases and may offer lessons to American cities. — Peter Baker Alessandro Falco Mark Landler Michelle Goldberg, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Adverb
Keep reading to see these and more of our favorite picks from this year's collection, or click through here to check it all out for yourself. — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026 Starting next month, Mayor Mamdani said the city will cover all out-of-pocket costs — and childcare will become free for those participants, too. — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for all-out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for all-out
  1. sheer
  2. thorough
  3. thoroughly
  4. utter
  5. extensive
  6. completely
  7. unconditional
  8. complete
Adjective
  • The facts of his biography, no matter how outrageous, could not possibly explain the sheer derangement of his output.
    — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
  • This means investor scrutiny will extend beyond the sheer scale of AI investment to encompass debt burdens, capital costs, and return timelines.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of sheer
Adjective
  • The author specifically praised Reficco over her thorough research on epilepsy in an effort to offer an authentic portrayal.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Lawsuits have accused Lyft of failing to perform more thorough background checks on prospective drivers, maintaining in-car surveillance and enforcing zero-tolerance policies against drivers.
    — Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of thorough
Adverb
  • Experts advise thoroughly reading the contract, including coverage limits and exclusions, before purchasing a plan.
    — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of thoroughly
Adjective
  • This Ninth — featuring the Los Angeles Master Chorale and four superb vocal soloists (Saioa Hernández, Tamara Mumford, David Portillo and Ryan Speedo Green) — became Beethoven, alive in the moment, an instrument of utter joy.
    — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Sweet, aromatic, and bubblegum pink, this playful cocktail is the utter definition of fun.
    — Bradleigh Mobley, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of utter
Adjective
  • Police said the home was immediately secured as a crime scene and investigators began the extensive work of documenting the scene, collecting evidence, conducting interviews and pursuing leads.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Customers can upload their own photos, or choose artworks from an extensive online gallery before selecting all of the details, including size, material, matting, and glazing.
    — Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of extensive
Adverb
  • Russian forces have long targeted the strategic cities of Kostyantynivka, Kramatorsk and Sloviansk as part of a push to completely capture the Donetsk Oblast, one of the Kremlin’s key objectives in the conflict.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Who Framed Roger Rabbit, which was directed by Robert Zemeckis with animation overseen by Richard Williams, takes every aspect of itself, even the zany silliness of cartoons, completely seriously, while never losing sight of the fun.
    — James Grebey, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of completely
Adjective
  • The capitulation of Germany is at hand, the Third Reich's unconditional surrender just days away.
    — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Despite his resolve to be gentler and kinder than Cotton, Hank still struggles to articulate his unconditional love to his son, Bobby.
    — Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of unconditional
Adjective
  • To defeat Iran would be a complete victory, not only for Israel but for the entire Middle East.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Those tests should reveal how well the modular architecture performs once individual components operate as part of a complete launcher.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of complete

Browse Nearby Words

allotting
all-out
all out
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Cite this Entry

“All-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/all-out. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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