even 1 of 3

even

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adjective

1
as in exact
being neither more nor less than a certain amount, number, or extent the distance to town is an even mile

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4
as in steady
not varying energy demands do not stay even throughout the day but peak significantly during the afternoon hours

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

even

3 of 3

verb

1
as in to smooth
to make free from breaks, curves, or bumps even the filling before adding the top layer of the cake

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to equate
to make equal in amount, degree, or status the contention that producing more arms will even us with the enemy and therefore make us more secure

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective even contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of even are flat, level, plane, and smooth. While all these words mean "having a surface without bends, curves, or irregularities," even applies to a surface that is noticeably flat or level or to a line that is observably straight.

trim the hedge so it is even

When can flat be used instead of even?

The words flat and even are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, flat applies to a surface devoid of noticeable curvatures, prominences, or depressions.

the work surface must be flat

Where would level be a reasonable alternative to even?

In some situations, the words level and even are roughly equivalent. However, level applies to a horizontal surface that lies on a line parallel with the horizon.

the vast prairies are nearly level

When could plane be used to replace even?

While in some cases nearly identical to even, plane applies to any real or imaginary flat surface in which a straight line between any two points on it lies wholly within that surface.

the plane sides of a crystal

When is it sensible to use smooth instead of even?

Although the words smooth and even have much in common, smooth applies especially to a polished surface free of irregularities.

a smooth skating rink

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of even
Adverb
Like his brother, Brandon attends a lot of Freddie’s games with his mom and siblings and even made a red carpet appearance at the 2024 All-Star Red Carpet Show. Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025 Nobody claiming Ewers is the next Purdy, or even close. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
The winner will serve three years due to the city’s transition to even-year elections. Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 2025 The formula works not just to lighten discoloration, but also to visibly shrink and smooth the look of spots for a more even, luminous complexion overall. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto tossed the first complete World Series game in a decade as the Dodgers evened up the best-of-seven series with a 5-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 26 Oct. 2025 The night will be remembered for Scherzer turning back the clock at 41, pitching 5 2/3 innings in the Jays’ 8-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners that evened the series at two games apiece. Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for even
Recent Examples of Synonyms for even
Adverb
  • But, in his first game back from a knee sprain, Bichette certainly didn’t look comfortable doing it.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Kansas redshirt-sophomore guard Elmarko Jackson certainly showed Friday he’s recovered from patellar tendon surgery that forced him to redshirt the 2024-25 campaign.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • The experiment discovered that AI could fulfill this role quite well.
    François Candelon, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The maze is quite scary, including an It-style clown with a chainsaw, chainsaw-wielding doctors in scrubs, and Beryl at the center of it all as the town’s biggest cultural claim to fame, the Headless Horseman.
    Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The results were unprecedentedly exact renderings.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Qiy Ankle Boots These suede ankle boots strike the exact right balance of fashionable and functional—mid-height, subtly heeled, and endlessly wearable.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That being said, the Consumer Price Index has followed an almost identical trajectory from Q420 to the most recent figures, meaning spending is merely in line with inflation.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
  • In the 1980s and ’90s, Colombia’s cocaine cartels controlled entire regions through intimidation, corruption and fear tactics that are nearly identical to what’s now unfolding in parts of Mexico.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • After which radiolarians sink, producing a steady snowfall of delicate glasswork onto the ocean floor.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • With short-term interest rates declining, returns on Berkshire’s massive cash and Treasury portfolio are likely to come under pressure, limiting a source of steady income that has bolstered recent results.
    Yun Li, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Spanx Supersmooth Perfect Fit Ponte Micro Flare Pant Speaking of smoothing, these dress pants have compression from waist to knee and a subtle flare leg — like your favorite yoga pants but office appropriate.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Hyaluronic acid attracts and retains moisture within each hair fiber, glycerin locks in hydration while smoothing the cuticle, and dimethicone helps detangle and create a sleek, polished finish.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Many people equate financial success or failure with personal worth.
    Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Defense Priorities scholars argue that the cartels are being falsely equated with terrorist groups like Al Qaeda, and warn of mission creep without clear objectives or legal justification.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • But intelligence will also remain close to us; indeed, inside us.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • After seeing the bond that Mickelson and Piggy have formed so quickly, Asquini has been left wondering whether her foster pup has indeed found her forever home.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Even.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/even. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

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