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
Even now, midfielder Rodrigo De Paul calls it a flat-out advantage simply to have Messi steering the group. — Luis E. Romero, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 What remains in the movie field skews toward the streaming crowd-pleaser, and television voters, perhaps freed from the cinephile guilt that haunts Oscar season, tend to recognize (and reward) the pics that are flat-out fun to watch. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 13 June 2026 But even as Moon landings, space shuttles, and reusable rockets seized the headlines, Link, along with a stubborn handful of engineers, explorers, and flat-out dreamers, kept plumbing the ocean instead. — Bill Gourgey, Popular Science, 2 July 2026 That statement stood in stark contrast to the longstanding stodginess of the Kings, which dissipated into flat-out ineffectiveness under Jim Hiller for three quarters of last season until he was sacked. — Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 11 June 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
  • Questioning, if not rejecting, established Christian doctrine, Ahab also comes to regard Moby Dick as the outward and visible sign, the physical embodiment of the indifference or, worse, utter malignity inherent in the universe.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
  • But the nation’s summer has been an utter slog, lacking the identity and joy on the pitch that spectators have come to expect.
    — Doha Madani, NBC news, 5 July 2026
Definition of utter
Adverb
  • Argentina, Ecuador, the Netherlands and now Colombia have absolutely jam-packed the place.
    — Sam McDowell Updated July 3, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • That was a mild day for the time, but 250 years later, the city is absolutely roasting.
    — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Definition of absolutely
Adjective
  • The sleeveless gown featured a semi-sheer corset bodice with a curtain of lace foliage that cascaded down past the thigh-high slit, forming an elegant silhouette.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 5 July 2026
  • Nonetheless, some 120,000 Mint Juleps are consumed across two sunny days at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby, proving that some cocktails can become refreshing daytime summer sippers just by sheer force of will, and a little crushed ice.
    — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 4 July 2026
Definition of sheer
Adverb
  • Although more cautious than the NAIA, the slow-moving NCAA has been downright bullish compared to its usual sport-adoption protocols.
    — Tim Graham, New York Times, 2 July 2026
  • As The Traitors' host, Cumming oversees a hodgepodge of reality stars and C-list celebrities who partake in a series of challenges ranging from goofy to downright harrowing — that season 2 cabin of maggots!
    — Sara Netzley, Entertainment Weekly, 2 July 2026
Definition of downright
Adjective
  • This World Cup has been bringing the absolute goods from day one.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • The last decade has been an absolute whirlwind for the 38-year-old film school graduate, who could have never dreamed of the success he’s enjoyed as a YouTube personality with over 10 million subscribers (and counting).
    — Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of absolute
Adverb
  • Rodríguez said authorities have recorded 862 aftershocks since the main quakes and confirmed that 189 buildings collapsed completely nationwide, the vast majority in La Guaira, the coastal state that suffered the worst destruction.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • The office didn’t completely save records with state archives as required by law.
    — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
Definition of completely
Adjective
  • Ramp, the corporate card and expense management company backed by Iconiq and valued at $44 billion, is now Senra’s largest advertiser and, by CEO Glyman’s own description, an unconditional backer.
    — Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 5 July 2026
  • At its deepest level, this work is fueled by unconditional love—not sentimental or passive love but love as discipline, courage and commitment.
    — Yujia Zhu, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of unconditional
Adverb
  • Morgenthaler’s version—amaretto and lemon, punched up with a pour of high-proof bourbon, and smoothed out with an egg white—utterly transforms the drink.
    — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 4 July 2026
  • Was that the most incredible goal, in its quality and significance, of an utterly incredible World Cup?
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of utterly

Browse Nearby Words

flatness
flat-out
flats
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flat-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flat-out. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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