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
After the show ended, many cast members pursued diverse paths in acting, directing, and even politics, each carrying a piece of the show's legacy with them. Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 7 June 2025 The first burial: A cookbook author The first person buried at what is now Arlington National Cemetery was not a soldier, a general, a war hero or even a veteran. Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 27 May 2025
Adjective
The second set was just as much of an even tussle, the pair trading breaks in back-to-back games as the pressure started to mount on Alcaraz. David Close, CNN Money, 6 June 2025 Some even partner with doctors, therapists or dietitians to provide more comprehensive support. Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2025
Verb
Wallace and Wiggins each gave the Thunder a second-half lift with timely triples, finishing with three apiece as OKC evened the series. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 11 May 2025 Providence’s victory evened the best-of-five AHL conference semifinal series at 2-2. Richard Walker, Charlotte Observer, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for even
Recent Examples of Synonyms for even
Adverb
  • Zombie series in these settings are still going to be pricey, and so AMC certainly has that to consider.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Paella Valenciana Paella is perhaps the most famous Spanish dish of all, and certainly one of the most abused.
    Jon Yeomans, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
Adverb
  • It’s been quite a year for Kathy Bates and Billy Bob Thornton, who both lead hit shows.
    Emily Longeretta, Variety, 15 June 2025
  • While that is quite close to the FOMC’s target, it was dragged down by a decline in energy prices.
    Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • The exact fixtures incorporated into this will be confirmed later this summer, after the 2025/26 WSL fixtures have been released.
    Asif Burhan, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • An exact premiere date has not yet been set, but CIA will air Mondays at 10 pm, leading out of the FBI mothership.
    Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • Over all, Lee said, the album is an almost identical remake of the original—a technically difficult task to pull off.
    Tyler Foggatt, New Yorker, 8 June 2025
  • Jane's testimony, which is likely to continue deep into next week, is identical in many ways to the four-day testimony in the trial's first week by Cassie.
    MICHAEL R. SISAK, Arkansas Online, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • Unemployment held steady at 4.2% for a third consecutive month as the government revised job growth down for March and April.
    Maria Gracia Santillana Linares, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Keeping a steady clip and clocking in at a blissful running time, Hall and Gandersman discover two of their movie’s best moment in car scenes.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • The researchers of the 2022 study also found that people on the receiving end of indirect attacks also end up responding with silence, politeness or attempts to smooth things over.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • The star of the show is its capsule technology, which kicks in right away to smooth things out.
    Deanna Pai, Glamour, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • And as with making a decision NOT to get procedures done isn't a sign of virtue, the decision to get cosmetic procedures shouldn't be equated with vanity or low self-esteem!
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
  • However, do not equate the stock's fall with a failing business.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Adverb
  • After that episode, though, Mary has indeed peered more deeply into herself and dug up darker stuff.
    Jane Alison June 17, Literary Hub, 17 June 2025
  • Maple’s work indeed marks a significant point in the evolution of independent U.S. cinema culture.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Even.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/even. Accessed 22 Jun. 2025.

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