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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Examples of even in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adverb
With Bunraku puppets, culpability for unbearable individual acts is shared, making intimate human violence possible and even disturbingly beautiful. Jennifer Homans, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024 The duo have long been open about their parenthood journeys, from annual birthday wishes on Instagram and posting about their first Easter as a family of six this year, to Ciara even documenting Wilson giving her a hand with breastfeeding. Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 28 Oct. 2024
Adjective
The third quarter saw a more even distribution of returns among XLU constituents, with an average gain of 20%. Dan Irvine, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024 Both coolers had an even distribution of food, root beers, and La Croix’s, and each held a block of ice tucked into their right corner. Joe Jackson, Outside Online, 28 Sep. 2024
Verb
The debate has evened the playing field between the two candidates, according to the Polymarket prediction platform that now puts both Harris and Trump on 49%. Billy Bambrough, Forbes, 11 Sep. 2024 Its ultra-hydrating formula soothes and plumps dry or combination skin types, with a smoothing veil that evens the skin tone while letting your natural radiance shine through. Olivia Cigliano, WWD, 13 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for even 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'even.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near even

Cite this Entry

“Even.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/even. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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