all in all

phrase

Synonyms of all in all next

next

: on the whole : generally

all in all, things might have been worse

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of all in all was in 1826

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“All in all.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/all%20in%20all. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

hector

Listen to the pronunciation of hector

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Birds Say the Darndest Things

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

17 Words for Dog Breeds