Out-and-out — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˌau̇t-ᵊn(d)-ˈau̇t/

Meaning & Definition of Out-and-out

Out-and-out (adjective)

  1. being such completely at all times, in every way, or from every point of view

Out-and-out (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. having no exceptions or restrictions

    "an out-and-out cheater at every game she plays"

    "her story is not just an exaggeration, it's an out-and-out lie"

    similar: absolute, all-out, arrant, blank, blooming (chiefly British), bodacious (Southern & Midland), categorical, clean, complete, consummate, crashing, damn, damned, dead, deadly, definite, downright, dreadful, fair, flat, flat-out, outright, perfect, plumb, profound, pure, rank, regular, sheer, simple, stark, stone, straight-out, thorough, thoroughgoing, total, unadulterated, unalloyed, unconditional, unmitigated, unqualified, utter, very
    related: authentic, classic, genuine, real, veritable, constant, endless, eternal, perpetual, undying, unremitting, extreme, unrestricted, confirmed, habitual, hopeless, inveterate, extraordinary, frightful, horrible, huge, main, superlative, supreme, surpassing, terrible, terrific
    near: doubtful, dubious, equivocal, qualified, questionable, restricted, uncertain

  2. trying all possibilities

    "mounted an out-and-out effort to find the lost child"

    similar: all-out, clean, complete, comprehensive, exhaustive, full-scale, thorough, thoroughgoing, total
    related: broad, extensive, far-reaching, in-depth, sweeping, wide, wide-ranging, general, global, inclusive, methodical, systematic, no-holds-barred, unhampered, unrestrained
    near: aimless, desultory, haphazard, hit-or-miss, random, cursory, shallow, slipshod, superficial, limited, narrow, restricted

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Out-and-out

The most common words with a similar meaning to Out-and-out:

Chiefly British: blooming
Southern & Midland: bodacious
absolute, all-out, arrant, blank, categorical, clean, complete, consummate, crashing, damn, damned, dead, deadly, definite, downright, dreadful, fair, flat, flat-out, outright, perfect, plumb, profound, pure, rank, regular, sheer, simple, stark, stone, straight-out, thorough, thoroughgoing, total, unadulterated, unalloyed, unconditional, unmitigated, unqualified, utter

Related Words for Out-and-out

authentic, classic, genuine, real, veritable, constant, endless, eternal, perpetual, undying, unremitting, extreme, unrestricted, confirmed, habitual, hopeless, inveterate, extraordinary, frightful, horrible, huge, main, superlative, supreme, surpassing, terrible, terrific, broad, extensive, far-reaching

Near Antonyms of Out-and-out

doubtful, dubious, equivocal, qualified, questionable, restricted, uncertain, aimless, desultory, haphazard, hit-or-miss, random, cursory, shallow, slipshod, superficial, limited, narrow

Origin & Etymology of Out-and-out

First known use: 1813

Frequently Asked Questions about Out-and-out

What does "Out-and-out" mean?

"Out-and-out" means being such completely at all times, in every way, or from every point of view. As an adjective, it is defined as: being such completely at all times, in every way, or from every point of view. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Out-and-out"?

Other words for "Out-and-out" include absolute, all-out, arrant, blank, blooming, bodacious, categorical and clean. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Out-and-out" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Out-and-out"?

There are 88 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Out-and-out". Common alternatives include absolute, all-out, arrant, blank, blooming, bodacious, categorical, clean, complete and consummate.

How do you use "Out-and-out" in a sentence?

Examples of "Out-and-out" in a sentence: "an out-and-out cheater at every game she plays"; "her story is not just an exaggeration, it's an out-and-out lie"; "mounted an out-and-out effort to find the lost child".

Is "Out-and-out" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Out-and-out" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Out-and-out"?

"Out-and-out" is pronounced /ˌau̇t-ᵊn(d)-ˈau̇t/.

What is the origin of the word "Out-and-out"?

First known use: 1813.

What is another word for "Out-and-out" meaning "having no exceptions or restrictions"?

When "Out-and-out" (adjective) means having no exceptions or restrictions, synonyms include absolute, all-out, arrant, blank, blooming and bodacious.