all at once

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 .

Example Sentences

Toss it all over egg noodles, finish with a scatter of black pepper and chives, and you’ve got a dish that tastes like comfort, cleverness and a little subtle fire all at once.

From Salon

Such a quake would be the largest simultaneous disaster in modern California history, with huge swaths of the state wracked by powerful seismic shaking all at once.

From Los Angeles Times

Either way, this crema is the dip’s whisper of brightness and creaminess all at once.

From Salon

TJ’s Hot Honey Popcorn is “savory, salty, sweet, and spicy, all at once.”

From Salon

At all times idealized in his physical features, he’s the living embodiment of the irresistible force paradox — an immovable power and an unstoppable object all at once.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• again 
• formerly 
• later 
• next 
• suddenly