1
: made with maximum effort : thoroughgoing
an all-out effort to win the contest
: with full determination or enthusiasm : with maximum effort
—used chiefly in the phrase go all out
Synonyms
Adjective
- absolute
- arrant
- blank
- blooming [chiefly British]
- bodacious [Southern & Midland]
- categorical
- categoric
- clean
- complete
- consummate
- crashing
- damn
- damned
- dead
- deadly
- definite
- downright
- dreadful
- fair
- flat
- flat-out
- out-and-out
- outright
- perfect
- plumb
- profound
- pure
- rank
- regular
- sheer
- simple
- stark
- stone
- straight-out
- thorough
- thoroughgoing
- total
- unadulterated
- unalloyed
- unconditional
- unmitigated
- unqualified
- utter
- very
Adverb
Examples of all-out in a Sentence
Adjective
Grandpa got the all-out support of the family when he decided to remarry at age 72
an all-out effort to break open the door
Adverb
went all out for her New Year's Eve party—she even had fireworks!
Recent Examples on the Web
Nathan Layne, Tim Reid, USA TODAY, 4 July 2024
The difference between Biden and Trump is that these policy flubs can be rectified, while Trump’s all-out assault on the truth and democracy leaves permanent scars.
—Mike Kabatt, Baltimore Sun, 3 July 2024
Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 18 June 2024
On Saturday, March 2, West Bend will be going all out to celebrate spring.
—Cathy Kozlowicz, Journal Sentinel, 11 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for all-out 
Adjective
On social media and in a flurry of statements over the past 48 hours, Trump's campaign and his Republican allies appear to be laying the groundwork for an all-out assault on Harris should the 81-year-old Biden decide to end his re-election bid following his feeble debate performance last week.
—Nathan Layne, Tim Reid, USA TODAY, 4 July 2024
The difference between Biden and Trump is that these policy flubs can be rectified, while Trump’s all-out assault on the truth and democracy leaves permanent scars.
—Mike Kabatt, Baltimore Sun, 3 July 2024
Adverb
Rounding it all out are upgraded plumbing and electrical systems, plus central heat and air.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 18 June 2024
On Saturday, March 2, West Bend will be going all out to celebrate spring.
—Cathy Kozlowicz, Journal Sentinel, 11 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for all-out
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'all-out.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near all-out
Cite this Entry
“All-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/all-out. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
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