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

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

If Wilson struggles or flat-out stinks — maybe to the point of getting pulled — and the offense sputters for the fifth straight game? —

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2025 Darnold looked jumpy and just flat-out missed on several open passes downfield. —

Ted Nguyen, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025

Adverb

Well, speaking of that, Republican Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville and House Speaker Mike Johnson have suggested or even just flat out said the disaster aid to California should be conditional, determined around changing policies on wildfire prevention. —

Obed Manuel, NPR, 14 Jan. 2025 And Steph did try it a bit, but Klay flat out refused. —

Tim Cato, The Athletic, 2 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for flat-out