even 1 of 3

Definition of evennext

even

2 of 3

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
The Mets were embarrassed by the Washington Nationals in an 14-2 blowout to even up the series at one game apiece. James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 30 Apr. 2026 Pope said his team hasn’t even told Worboys the show is happening yet. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Most people find that irksome shingles symptoms slowly subside in a few weeks, but PHN can last months or even years. Alyssa Sparacino, Glamour, 27 Apr. 2026 Spread an even layer of mulch about 3 to 4 inches deep over the root ball and in an area around it at least 3 feet wide. Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
The Knicks evened the series at two games apiece with a dominant performance away from home. Kristian Winfield, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2026 Casey Schmitt made up for a baserunning blunder with a two-run homer, Drew Gilbert and Heliot Ramos added solo shots and the San Francisco Giants evened their three-game home series against the Miami Marlins at a game apiece with a 6-2 triumph Saturday afternoon. Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for even
Recent Examples of Synonyms for even
Adverb
  • Campbell has certainly been doing that this spring for the Crusaders.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
  • Throughout it all, Powell steered the Federal Open Market Committee to mostly unanimous decisions, building consensus across 11 other central bankers who almost certainly didn’t agree with him or each other.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 3 May 2026
Adverb
  • However, the day did not go quite according to plan for Dale Coyne Racing's Romain Grosjean, and that was all thanks to an unfortunate run-in — in the most literal sense imaginable — with a bird.
    Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
  • General Daily Insight for April 29, 2026 Tension shows up today when timing, tone, or expectations don’t quite match.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Hundreds more homes, apartments to come Later phases of development would include more housing beyond the Westveil subdivision, though exact numbers of units are not clear.
    Rose Evans May 3, Idaho Statesman, 3 May 2026
  • The Marion County Coroner’s Office will determine the exact manner and cause of death.
    Francie Ebert, NBC news, 3 May 2026
Adjective
  • Leonard had a similar shot for the Raptors that won a series, but the bounce off the heel of the rim and in was nearly identical to Haliburton’s for the Indiana Pacers last year.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 2 May 2026
  • Many of the Huayuan fossils look similar, if not identical, to those in the Burgess Shale, indicating that these marine ecosystems were connected by global ocean currents.
    Marlowe Starling, Quanta Magazine, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • Define one next step and follow through so progress continues in a steady, reliable way.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 2 May 2026
  • From feeding chickens at a Harlem farm to cracking jokes about the Boston Tea Party during the White House state dinner, the monarch, alongside his wife Queen Camilla, delivered a steady stream of viral moments that showed a lighter, more personal side of the royals.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • The complementary conditioner dials up the moisture with shea butter, murumuru butter, and amino acids to smooth and strengthen—leaving hair soft, bouncy, and ready for styling.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Its benefits span from firming and lift to smoothing texture and tone.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Critics said the report essentially equates one stand of conservative Christianity to be representative of Christians overall, then construes policy disagreements to be persecution.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 May 2026
  • To equate extraordinary music-making with technical command is to mistake the vehicle for the journey.
    Justin Davidson, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Freshmen, indeed, were the difference.
    Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
  • This would be much funnier if Rimura were, indeed, simply a slime.
    Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 1 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Even.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/even. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

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