flat-out 1 of 2

Definition of flat-outnext

flat-out

2 of 2

adverb

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
Unlike previous years where the shout-out was subtle, this year Kotb flat-out said Bush Hager's name. Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025 The Aztecs took over and promptly missed a golden opportunity for a touchdown when wide-open wide receiver Nathan Acevedo flat-out dropped a pass from quarterback Jayden Denegal (8-for-16, 81 yards) at the Spartans’ 12-yard line. Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Nov. 2025 Apparently, at least one player flat-out demanded that DeBoer wear the hoodie. Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Nov. 2025 Google, Meta, Microsoft’s LinkedIn, and Elon Musk’s X have all delayed, adjusted, or flat-out refused to launch AI products because of the bloc’s laws. Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 10 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flat-out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flat-out
Adjective
  • Much will soon be made of the movie’s epic, final-act twist, but despite such swerves, the film maintains its utter ambiguity to the end, giving heart to the lostness that so many across ideological spectrums now feel.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025
  • His extraordinary journey from utter isolation to human connection is revealed in the Oscar-contending documentary Ghost Boy, directed by Rodney Ascher (Room 237, A Glitch in the Matrix), winner of the Audience Award at SXSW in the Visions category.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2025
Adverb
  • And the difference between absolutely nailing a passage and creating a feeling of transcendent gloriousness in the concert hall and abject failure is usually about a millimeter.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Emma Stone Speaking of bobs, Emma Stone's is absolutely iconic.
    Marci Robin, Allure, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The Rhode founder stunned in a sheer black mesh teddy with a G-string thong design and an ab-baring cutout made out of straps.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026
  • But the department has argued the sheer volume of documents that need to be found, uploaded, reviewed, redacted and published has forced it to instead release the files online on a rolling basis, with a series of enormous document dumps over the course of several days in mid-December.
    Joe Walsh, CBS News, 6 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • After the twinkling lights of the holiday season have been packed away, winter can feel downright dull and desolate, especially for families with energetic kids trapped inside by the cold.
    Erica Jackson Curran, Parents, 11 Jan. 2026
  • And as a new Forbes report explains, some of America's most popular cities are becoming downright unmanageable.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Those bright white tees seem to be absolute stain magnets attracting coffee drips, spaghetti sauce spots, and salad dressing splashes.
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Since a steamy cup of hot cocoa by your in-room fireplace is an absolute must, coffee bar stations are stocked with an assortment of artisan mixes by Sorrento, along with herbal teas and coffee.
    Jennie Nunn, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • More than once, Coon and Smallwood are completely nude on stage, as Agnes and Peter lay hidden parts of their psyche bare.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Before cleaning any type of stovetop, be sure the burners are turned off, and every surface is completely cool to the touch.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The Hour of the Wolf is a far-ranging memoir about motherhood, art, family, and the way that a dog’s unconditional love can offer a rare opportunity for healing.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
  • The state recently launched a project providing unconditional monthly checks — averaging $500 — to families who have abused or neglected their children.
    Sarah A. Font, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • The idea of a Russian doing academic research on Iraq was utterly befuddling to Maher and his colleagues.
    Elizabeth Tsurkov, The Atlantic, 11 Jan. 2026
  • My ego—what was left of it— was utterly defenseless.
    Frederick Dreier, Outside, 9 Jan. 2026

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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 Jan. 2026.

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