even 1 of 3

Definition of evennext
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

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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
That was true in its yeshiva reform efforts when hesitant and understaffed local districts were charged with investigations and, even when violations were substantiated, the schools couldn’t be closed down. — David Bloomfield, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026 Ikeda called Datadog and Atlassian his top picks, saying that companies that can show that AI is a tailwind to growth could see their valuation rerate, even at premium multiples. — Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2026
Adjective
Spread into an even layer and roast for 30–40 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and the tofu is lightly browned and crisp around the edges. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 My handwritten notes from that interview offer one of the clearest examples of how every detail and raw emotion is compiled over months and even years of reporting and used to set the scene in my books. — Bob Woodward, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Verb
Great organizations could build dynasties more easily before free agency and the salary cap evened the playing field starting in 1993. — Mike Sando, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026 On Friday, however, as the Dodgers evened the series with a 3-1 win against the Milwaukee Brewers, history didn’t repeat itself. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for even
Recent Examples of Synonyms for even
Adverb
  • The sense of freedom from reading post-apocalyptic fiction aside (on the table, open for debate), writing it certainly has been a breath of fresh air.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026
  • But perhaps the image of Minaj onstage will inspire the MAGA set to adopt Demna’s revamp of the house—some of the caricatural archetypes in his most recent collection certainly leaned conservative.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 28 Oct. 2026
Adverb
  • Brian Schottenheimer wasn’t quite defeated at his press conference last Monday after the 23-13 loss to Green Bay, but the head coach realized how low the morale was around the building.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The savory vol-au-vent with pear and onion jam, tart tamarind and pecorino cheese is ambitious, but the pastry itself was a bit heavy, the layers not quite flaky enough for the abundant stuffing.
    — Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Everette has a knack for scoring important touchdowns, and when’s facing circumstances that qualify as either make or break, his exact mindset borders on being unstoppable.
    — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Do not waste too much energy recreating the exact plan that just fell apart.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The tri-level residence has three bedrooms and five bathrooms in roughly 4,600 square feet.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 21 Oct. 2026
  • With multiple functions, the shafts drew fresh air down into the multi-level complexes, and also continued below the lowest floor, reaching groundwater and serving as deep wells.
    — Maya Chawla, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • This creates familiarity without making every asset look identical, while giving AI a clear role as an execution tool.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Prosecutors said the business submitted applications containing nearly identical boilerplate language.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • As renewable energy contributes a larger share of electricity generation, nuclear plants may need to become more flexible without compromising the steady operation of their reactors.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Netanyahu's supporters see him as a steady hand and a consummate statesman who has led Israel through a war of redemption after the country's darkest hour.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The relaxed legs offer plenty of room to move, while the elegant pleats create a flattering drape that helps smooth visible lines.
    — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Unlike a traditional body lotion, the moisturizer’s lightweight, milky texture softens skin, smooths rough patches, and relieves dryness sans the greasy film.
    — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 30 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • This phrasing equates resistance to the colonization of Palestine with the colonization itself.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Magnus Taylor, deputy Horn of Africa director at the International Crisis Group, cautioned against equating the loss of towns with an end to fighting.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Even.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/even. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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