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

Related Words

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
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
  • How did Bi work for Bryan for any length of time without absolutely losing his mind?
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Consequently, Parton’s catalog experienced an absolutely gigantic surge on Tuesday following the news of her passing.
    — Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of absolutely
Adjective
  • The facts of his biography, no matter how outrageous, could not possibly explain the sheer derangement of his output.
    — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
  • This means investor scrutiny will extend beyond the sheer scale of AI investment to encompass debt burdens, capital costs, and return timelines.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of sheer
Adverb
  • At a party one night, struggling musician Owen strikes a connection with a young woman (Sadie Soverall) that feels downright magical — she’s even dressed as a fairy, emphasizing the dreaminess of the moment.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Saving our forests from catastrophic fire while allowing slow-burning fires to replenish our landscapes will take everyone pulling together in the next 10 years on projects that feel, well, downright destructive.
    — Megan Schrader, Denver Post, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of downright
Adjective
  • Keep in mind that this isn’t an absolute confirmation of a series production Slantnose 911.
    — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The largest fish had a considerably lower absolute speed than its smaller cousins.
    — Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of absolute
Adverb
  • Russian forces have long targeted the strategic cities of Kostyantynivka, Kramatorsk and Sloviansk as part of a push to completely capture the Donetsk Oblast, one of the Kremlin’s key objectives in the conflict.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Who Framed Roger Rabbit, which was directed by Robert Zemeckis with animation overseen by Richard Williams, takes every aspect of itself, even the zany silliness of cartoons, completely seriously, while never losing sight of the fun.
    — James Grebey, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of completely
Adjective
  • The capitulation of Germany is at hand, the Third Reich's unconditional surrender just days away.
    — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Despite his resolve to be gentler and kinder than Cotton, Hank still struggles to articulate his unconditional love to his son, Bobby.
    — Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of unconditional
Adverb
  • This powerful dream sequence shows Sarah and the rest of Los Angeles utterly annihilated by a nuclear blast.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Fast-forward to today, and the brand’s shampoos, conditioners, hair oils, hair masks, and more are flying off the shelf—while the bond-repairing-product business is utterly booming.
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 24 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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