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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
Yet a new work from the guy who gave you Sex, Lies and Videotape — and Traffic, and Erin Brockovich, and Out of Sight, and Magic Mike, and Black Bag, and literally dozens of other movies that run the gamut from intriguing to flat-out brilliant — is still worth clearing your schedule for.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2026
As other pioneers of drill’s first wave, like G Herbo, have expanded their sounds and become chart fixtures, Chief Keef doesn’t shy away from putting unexpected and even flat-out weird flourishes on his hometown sound.
—Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 1 Apr. 2026
Any Ohio resident knows that claim is a flat-out lie.
—Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for flat-out
Adjective
Those vociferous, flat-out denials had been enough to sway the politicians and union leaders who endorsed Swalwell’s gubernatorial bid, until the weight of evidence made Swalwell’s assertions untenable.
—Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
Yet a new work from the guy who gave you Sex, Lies and Videotape — and Traffic, and Erin Brockovich, and Out of Sight, and Magic Mike, and Black Bag, and literally dozens of other movies that run the gamut from intriguing to flat-out brilliant — is still worth clearing your schedule for.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2026
As other pioneers of drill’s first wave, like G Herbo, have expanded their sounds and become chart fixtures, Chief Keef doesn’t shy away from putting unexpected and even flat-out weird flourishes on his hometown sound.
—Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 1 Apr. 2026
Any Ohio resident knows that claim is a flat-out lie.
—Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for flat-out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flat-out
Adjective
-
Everyone was right to describe the cans produced by Piero Manzoni, and dubbed Merda d’Artista, as utter crap.—
Mark Ellwood,
Robb Report,
28 Apr. 2026
-
These are songs of utter persistence, of utter utterness.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Zack Bolduc and Cole Caufield, on the power play, had spotted Montreal a 2-0 lead as the Bell Centre absolutely rocked again in the anticipation and hope that perhaps their team might take a 3-1 lead over the favoured Lightning.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Something that plays in the background during a late-spring Saturday cookout — you, scrolling on your phone down a long list of names, most of which mean absolutely nothing.—
Noah White,
Miami Herald,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But the 6-foot-5 Dennis-Sutton’s potential and sheer agility are off the charts, at his size.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The format has its limitations, though — the most obvious for fans with an inclination to ship is the sheer inability to develop romantic relationships over the course of a season.—
Payton Turkeltaub,
Variety,
25 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
This lentil-barley salad, while packed with fiber and protein, is actually downright delicious.—
Rebecca Firkser,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Daring to dream of anything more felt selfish and indulgent, so a four-day solo wellness retreat in another country seemed downright irresponsible.—
Sarah Khan,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
With Trump, these oppositions are never absolute.—
Fintan O’Toole,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The offense came up with timely hits early, Garrett Crochet was back to being Garrett Crochet and in the top of the ninth, the Red Sox erupted in epic fashion, scoring 10 runs to turn what was already a blowout into an absolute laugher.—
Mac Cerullo,
Hartford Courant,
25 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Transfer to a plate and set aside to cool completely, then use a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to grind to a fine powder.—
Madhushree Basu Roy,
Saveur,
30 Apr. 2026
-
This campy, reality-shifting comedy series questions what would happen if a flaming misogynist woke up in a world that was completely matriarchal and subjugated men based on their gender.—
Madeleine Janz,
PEOPLE,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The series poignantly addresses the complexities of teenage struggles, particularly through Justin’s undiagnosed ADHD and Keisha’s experience of trauma, emphasizing the importance of unconditional support and the intersection of mental health with race and class in today’s world.—
Brande Victorian,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The limited goal of bringing the regime to heel expanded immediately into its unconditional surrender and potential annihilation.—
Fintan O’Toole,
The New York Review of Books,
9 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Steven died much too young, which was utterly heartbreaking.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The same pair of pants can look utterly relaxed on a Sunday, then tackle a professional dress code come Monday morning.—
Kelsey Stiegman,
Glamour,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Flat-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flat-out. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
