all at once

Idioms  

1. All at the same time, as in We can't get inside all at once, so please wait your turn . [Late 1300s]

2. Suddenly, unexpectedly, as in All at once the sky darkened . For a synonym, see all of a sudden .

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Example Sentences

In releasing full seasons of its own shows all at once, it created a culture of binge-watching and put all viewers on their own schedules.

From The Wall Street Journal

I don’t know how to tell him how it makes me feel— sad and hopeful and cared for, all at once.

From Literature

Most earthquakes occur when sections of the earth’s crust far below the surface rub up against one another, get stuck, and then jerk free all at once.

From Literature

Should I tell him I’m feeling a bit frightened and excited all at once?

From Literature

The coming months will see multiple streams of stimulus boost American household and corporate finances all at once—the economic equivalent of Halloween and a visit to Grandma’s house combined.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• again
• formerly
• later
• next
• suddenly