even 1 of 3

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
While some condiments last for months or even years before opening, after opening, exposure to air, moisture, and contaminated utensils can speed up spoilage. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2025 Elvis was adopted by Sharon and Ozzy and became a cherished member of their large family of animals, which over the years has included dogs, cats, and even rescue pigs. Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
That was the most even distribution of the year between Dobbins and Harvey. Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 15 Oct. 2025 All particles spontaneously appear with an even mix of left- and right-handedness. Paul Sutter, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
New & Noteworthy Neutrogena Collagen Bank 15% Pure Vitamin C Serum helps strengthen and build collagen, evens skin tone and improves discoloration. Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025 Large-scale surveys that scan the entire night sky every few days have evened the odds somewhat, but now the challenge faced by astronomers is spotting a young supernova among the huge amounts of data that these surveys collect. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for even
Recent Examples of Synonyms for even
Adverb
  • The injuries have certainly been omnipresent throughout most of Woods' professional golf career.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • But as multiple advertising world sources note, Apple has hired its fair share of TV and streaming video veterans over the past couple of years, which, when combined with this newfound desire to cut deals to expand Apple TV’s reach, is certainly suggestive of broader ambitions.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 18 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • Until Slot settles on a right-back option, the short-term message is quite clear for Premier League opposition analysts — target Liverpool’s right flank.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • On one level its assessment can be quite subjective, and there’s a degree of connoisseurship.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • For centuries, the wreck becomes the stuff of legends, with only the remote indigenous Guna Yala tribe privy to its exact location.
    Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The Paris digs are infinitely sleeker, dimly lit, and darkly appointed, but the food is more or less an exact replica.
    Rob Haskell, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The peppers are identical to habaneros, but without the powerful kick.
    Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Idaho had passed an almost identical law three years earlier.
    Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • With rising tuition, heavy student debt, and a shaky job market, more young workers are rethinking the four-year degree and turning to faster and cheaper routes to a steady career.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Today, her steady hand, institutional knowledge and loyalty continue to guide the Tennessean and inspire her colleagues.
    Brad Schmitt, Nashville Tennessean, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Bra-Ilelujah uses hosiery on the bar wing, because Blakely sought a nude, flat and smoothing look on the wearer’s back, Hanson said.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Spoon mixture into an ungreased 10-inch cast-iron skillet, and smooth into an even layer.
    Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • By equating political opposition with terrorism, the administration is also militarizing America’s domestic landscape.
    Jason M. Blazakis, Mercury News, 18 Oct. 2025
  • That research found that 79 percent of consumers find brands using the Seal of Cotton trademark to be trustworthy, and 82 percent equate the label with sustainable production.
    Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 17 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • For these men, in particular, better intervention could indeed be lifesaving.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Lemoine argued that there have indeed been several movements since Art Deco that have been of near or equal resonance, and that served as chapters of the history of design.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Even.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/even. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on even

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!