flat-out 1 of 2

adjective

ˈflat-ˌau̇t How to pronounce flat-out (audio)
Definition of flat-outnext
as in utter
having no exceptions or restrictions regarded their son-in-law as a flat-out loser and let him know it

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

flat-out

2 of 2

adverb

as in absolutely

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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 flat-out
Adjective
Even now, midfielder Rodrigo De Paul calls it a flat-out advantage simply to have Messi steering the group. — Luis E. Romero, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 What remains in the movie field skews toward the streaming crowd-pleaser, and television voters, perhaps freed from the cinephile guilt that haunts Oscar season, tend to recognize (and reward) the pics that are flat-out fun to watch. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 13 June 2026 That statement stood in stark contrast to the longstanding stodginess of the Kings, which dissipated into flat-out ineffectiveness under Jim Hiller for three quarters of last season until he was sacked. — Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 11 June 2026 The 29-year-old Finn was flat-out one of Edmonton’s best players in Round 1, scoring four goals and two assists in six games. — Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for flat-out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flat-out
  1. utter
  2. absolutely
  3. sheer
  4. downright
  5. absolute
  6. completely
  7. unconditional
  8. utterly
Adjective
  • Questioning, if not rejecting, established Christian doctrine, Ahab also comes to regard Moby Dick as the outward and visible sign, the physical embodiment of the indifference or, worse, utter malignity inherent in the universe.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
  • But the nation’s summer has been an utter slog, lacking the identity and joy on the pitch that spectators have come to expect.
    — Doha Madani, NBC news, 5 July 2026
Definition of utter
Adverb
  • The very next day, Bahrain accused Iran of firing a drone that damaged a desalination plant—a facility absolutely critical to the tiny Gulf state for converting seawater into drinking water.
    — Sarah Yerkes, Time, 10 July 2026
  • But insufficient compensation, unclear incentives or weak financial security can absolutely undermine motivation.
    — Brent Gleeson, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of absolutely
Adjective
  • The divisive trend first crossed my desk when Jennifer Lawrence stepped out in Paloma Wool’s sheer sarong-style version of the piece last summer, pairing the flowy garment with a cool oversized T-shirt and strappy sling-backs.
    — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 11 July 2026
  • Perfumers often create this effect with notes like white musk, skin musk, aldehydes, watery florals, sheer woods, and delicate citrus, which together can evoke a cozy sense of self-care.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 11 July 2026
Definition of sheer
Adverb
  • Fans believed, after the squad looked downright impressive in group play and gutted out a knockout win after losing their top scorer to a questionable red card.
    — Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 7 July 2026
  • Tornadoes can happen anywhere that storm fuel and spin overlap, but this week has been downright bizarre.
    — Matthew Cappucci, Washington Post, 7 July 2026
Definition of downright
Adjective
  • Haiti’s Wilson Isidor had an absolute screamer from outside the box against Morocco.
    — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • Molecular self-assembly meets graphene Silicon solar panels have dominated the market for decades, but are rapidly hitting an absolute physical efficiency limit.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 July 2026
Definition of absolute
Adverb
  • Communists want to end capitalism and replace it with a system where almost all private property is outlawed and the economy is completely run by the state.
    — Franco Ordoñez, NPR, 10 July 2026
  • The north offers something completely different to the south.
    — Megan Rose Murray, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026
Definition of completely
Adjective
  • Ramp, the corporate card and expense management company backed by Iconiq and valued at $44 billion, is now Senra’s largest advertiser and, by CEO Glyman’s own description, an unconditional backer.
    — Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 5 July 2026
  • At its deepest level, this work is fueled by unconditional love—not sentimental or passive love but love as discipline, courage and commitment.
    — Yujia Zhu, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of unconditional
Adverb
  • Morgenthaler’s version—amaretto and lemon, punched up with a pour of high-proof bourbon, and smoothed out with an egg white—utterly transforms the drink.
    — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 4 July 2026
  • Was that the most incredible goal, in its quality and significance, of an utterly incredible World Cup?
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of utterly

Browse Nearby Words

flatness
flat-out
flats
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Cite this Entry

“Flat-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flat-out. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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