out-and-out

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“How can we improve the product, make it out-and-out racing and look at what can improve in terms of safety. But act with a scalpel and not with a baseball bat.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

Wolff added: "We all share the same objectives. It's how can we improve the product, make it out-and-out racing, and look at what can improve in terms of safety."

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

And so he employs other tools: the hunch, the educated guess, even out-and-out speculation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

Both Rooney and Heskey feel the apparent lack of out-and-out number nines coming through is a sign of the way the game has gone, not just in England but globally.

From BBC • Nov. 14, 2025

“Mr. Swieteck,” said Mr. Powell, “I think I can accept having the petrels smile a little bit. But that is an out-and-out grin.”

From "Okay for Now" by Gary D. Schmidt