1
: in a blunt and direct manner : openly
called flat out for revolution—
Nat'l Review
Nat'l Review2
: at top speed or peak performance
the car does 180 m.p.h. flat out
3
usually flat-out
: 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
Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2025
But then there is the kind of real-world stream-sniping that can be strange, sinister, or flat-out dangerous.
—Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2025
Seth Klamann, The Denver Post, 2 Mar. 2025
Campbell's drive was a flat out slice heading straight OB.
—Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flat-out
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.
Adjective
Inter Miami and Lionel Messi are improved and flat-out expect to win the MLS Cup.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2025
But then there is the kind of real-world stream-sniping that can be strange, sinister, or flat-out dangerous.
—Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2025
Adverb
The sale of those components would be banned flat out, regardless of a person’s training or vetting.
—Seth Klamann, The Denver Post, 2 Mar. 2025
Campbell's drive was a flat out slice heading straight OB.
—Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flat-out
Cite this Entry
“Flat-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flat-out. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share