flat-out

1 of 2

adjective

ˈflat-ˌau̇t

Synonyms of flat-out next

: being or going at maximum effort or speed

: out-and-out, downright

it was a flat-out lie

flat out

2 of 2

adverb

: in a blunt and direct manner : openly

called flat out for revolution—

Nat'l Review

: at top speed or peak performance

the car does 180 m.p.h. flat out

usually flat-out

ˈflat-ˌau̇t

: absolutely, downright

—usually used as an intensive

is just flat-out confusing

Examples of flat-out in a Sentence

Adjective regarded their son-in-law as a flat-out loser and let him know it Adverb I told him flat out that I have no intention of marrying him. We asked for more time but they refused us flat out. The car does 180 mph flat out.

Recent Examples on the Web

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Adjective

Darnold’s been flat-out terrific, and one of the main reasons the Vikings have won nine straight. —

Zak Keefer, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024 There is a difference between a challenging endgame and one that is just flat-out annoying for its own sake in terms of its punishment and looting. —

Paul Tassi, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024

Adverb

In an effort to turn a quick profit, some studios will underspend in a film’s campaign, or flat out fail in reaching an audience, thus sending a film into homes at a rapid rate. —

Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 31 Dec. 2024 The outlook for Russia’s defense capacity will also depend on whether its economy is running flat out and the defense sector has already maximized production or if there is still room for production to increase as new and refurbished plants and facilities come online. —

Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for flat-out