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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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
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 The worst part of it is that it flat-out lacks communication. — Joe Salas july 12, New Atlas, 12 July 2026 These plans have different benefits and rates, and, like non-Medicare insurance plans, can require prior authorization or just flat-out deny you coverage. — Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 10 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
  • 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
Adverb
  • The 28-year-old is another one who looks absolutely certain to start, playing 90 minutes in every one of the three league games so far.
    — Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Other highlights include Billie’s (Lucy Freyer) fixation with feeling young, Julian Manjerico’s return as the absolutely unhinged Zack-Carlos and a brilliant penultimate episode about casual use of the C-word (hey, the British do it).
    — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of absolutely
Adjective
  • Beyond its sheer size and resort-level amenities, the estate’s value lies in the kind of construction and materials that are difficult to replicate at today’s costs.
    — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The baby pink style was made of a sheer, breezy pink fabric and featured crystallized spaghetti straps that gave way to frindgy crystalized trim that decorated the hem.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of sheer
Adverb
  • While most commenters couldn't help but point out how on-theme the edible creation was, others were downright haunted by the price.
    — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The Jets’ offense has ranged from mediocre to downright awful during his time with the team.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of downright
Adjective
  • But Aly [Turchioe, director of buying] and Trevor [Harvey, buyer] have been an absolute pleasure to work with over the years.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Other experts say Kim Jong Un, 42, is still too young to designate his heir, a move that could diminish his absolute power.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of absolute
Adverb
  • Terrorism wasn’t a completely foreign concept, but the notion of a hostile, coordinated attack on our soil, at that scale, seemed like something that might only happen in a Tom Clancy novel or a summer blockbuster movie.
    — Michael Silver, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the union representing 8,000 Stellantis employees said contract negotiations have completely stalled over that same plant.
    — Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of completely
Adjective
  • Congressional leaders in both parties are pushing to lock in long-term, unconditional military commitments to Israel.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The singer’s niece, Lainey Mae Parton, shared an emotional tribute after her grandmother’s burial, remembering the country legend as a source of unconditional love and support.
    — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of unconditional
Adverb
  • And yet, when Szumowska and Englert portray Fyodor’s reaction to the couple’s pregnancy, the birth of their child, and a subsequent tragedy, Anna’s adoration for this utterly flawed man almost feels justified.
    — Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The result is an utterly unique tile that celebrates its imperfections and is widely requested for modern bathrooms and kitchens.
    — Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 5 Sep. 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 14 Sep. 2026.

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