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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

flat-out

2 of 2

adverb

as in absolutely

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Dissimilar 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 flat-out
Adjective
Unlike many stars of their generation who flat-out refuse personal questions, Holland and Zendaya have mastered the art of bringing it back to their respective movies. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 31 July 2026 Every Southern college student has a family member who’s superstitiously tossed (or flat-out burned) their jersey after a bad game, or still hasn’t gotten over a SEC Championship loss decades later. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 31 July 2026 Tips for Getting Along With Your In-Laws Some in-laws are harder to deal with than others, and some are flat-out impossible, but experts agree that most relationships can flourish when certain ground rules apply. — Margaret Renkl, Parents, 23 July 2026 There was—and is—something definitely wrong with Russell’s car, which was clearly slower than its sister car on several flat-out sections. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 20 July 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
  • There’s a wonderful fraction of a second when the Villa fans in the Holte End have to adjust from impending despair to utter joy.
    — Amitai Winehouse, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Fall in Europe brings with it brisk temperatures that make sightseeing an utter joy, thinner crowds that leave room for locals, and an opportunity to experience cities in their most authentic light.
    — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of utter
Adverb
  • Forecasting the Field While Kehlani is a strong contender for the category, the R&B space has absolutely expanded, while seeing the return of some of R&B’s original icons.
    — Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2026
  • So, remember that your diet can absolutely play a role in supporting your focus and energy.
    — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of absolutely
Adjective
  • The sheer math of persuading a majority of the House of Representatives, the Senate and the president to approve a bill is difficult enough.
    — Scott Warren, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Vaccarello, whose spring 2027 show marked his 10th anniversary at Saint Laurent, has become a celebrity favorite thanks to his ability to telegraph power and sexuality through sheer, slinky gowns and sharp-shouldered suits with equal measure.
    — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of sheer
Adverb
  • That could align well with Freeling’s return-to-play process, as the rookie missed a bulk of Sunday’s game with a knee ailment and could be downright out for Week 6.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Guests can choose from four- or seven-course tasting menus, or simply go à la carte—the starter of tuna, beetroot, and yuzu, followed by the handmade macaroni with Eritrea beef, are downright exceptional.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of downright
Adjective
  • But a low percentage of a rapidly expanding population still produces a rising number of older adults in absolute terms, and that number may continue to rise as the residents who arrived during the past two decades of growth age in place.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Closures should be an absolute last resort — not a response to short-term budget or enrollment pressures.
    — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of absolute
Adverb
  • Rooms Splayed across the cliff front and dense, thrumming jungle at the southwestern tip of Bali, the 37 villas that make up the property as of 2026 are each completely unique in design, character and art.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders reacted by condemning the warrants as completely unjustified and a clear proof of the United Nations’ antisemitism.
    — Brian Duignan, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of completely
Adjective
  • In 2024, Michigan State launched Rx Kids, the country’s first universal and unconditional prenatal and infant cash program.
    — Mona Hanna, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Once a seller has an unconditional right to receive the proceeds, many planning opportunities may no longer be available.
    — D. Scott Kenik, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of unconditional
Adverb
  • Charles — my heart hurts for Charles, dead on his farm, wealthy at the time of his passing, and with utterly no one to share it with except a brother who for ten years never wrote him a letter.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Yet these anachronisms seem to make perfect sense, making these 500-year-old poems read like swift, contemporary lyrics, timeless yet utterly urgent.
    — Craig Morgan Teicher, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 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 10 Oct. 2026.

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