flat 1 of 3

1
as in exact
being neither more nor less than a certain amount, number, or extent industrial growth has been a flat two percent for each of the last four quarters

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in boring
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest a flat portrayal of Benjamin Franklin in the new TV series

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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flat

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adverb

flat

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noun

chiefly British

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective flat contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of flat are even, level, plane, and smooth. While all these words mean "having a surface without bends, curves, or irregularities," flat applies to a surface devoid of noticeable curvatures, prominences, or depressions.

the work surface must be flat

When would even be a good substitute for flat?

In some situations, the words even and flat are roughly equivalent. However, 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 is it sensible to use level instead of flat?

The words level and flat can be used in similar contexts, but level applies to a horizontal surface that lies on a line parallel with the horizon.

the vast prairies are nearly level

Where would plane be a reasonable alternative to flat?

While in some cases nearly identical to flat, 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 smooth a more appropriate choice than flat?

The words smooth and flat are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 flat
Adjective
While Chipotle saw a 3% total revenue increase to $3.1 billion, the company cut its guidance, now expecting flat same-store sales growth for the year compared to its previous prediction of a low single-digit increase. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 24 July 2025 Its waterproof finish keeps the salty ocean spray away from your belongings, and its flat bottom stays upright on sand. Caley Sturgill, People.com, 14 July 2025
Adverb
Despite later becoming a pet for Superboy, the two never really vibe, and any attempts to install this incarnation as a mainstay fall flat. Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 11 July 2025 The sweet scalloped edges on this dinnerware set keep it from falling flat. Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 8 July 2025
Noun
Speaking of flattering, the skirt’s ankle length and asymmetrical hem gives it a fluttery look that pairs well with sandals, flats, espadrilles, or heels. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 10 July 2025 The royal added further to her look, wearing a pair of slingback ballerina flats courtesy of Gianvito Rossi and accessorized with a pair of sunglasses by Louis Vuitton, a favorite designer of the royal. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for flat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flat
Adjective
  • While an exact date has yet to be announced, HBO Max confirmed that Welcome to Derry will premiere in October.
    EW.com, EW.com, 28 July 2025
  • The exact nature of the $250,000 in question has been a point of contention for years.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 28 July 2025
Adjective
  • There are occasional boring stretches, along with confounding ones.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 3 Aug. 2025
  • At the end of the day, Stone relied on all of the wardrobe classics to turn boring old sports merch into a sartorial home run.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 31 July 2025
Adjective
  • The victim was transported to a local hospital and is currently in stable condition, police said Sunday evening.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Yet Kuran’s model of revolution as revelation presumes that people have stable preferences to reveal.
    Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • To fully take in the sun, the Hustlers actress stripped down to a simple black bikini.
    Colson Thayer, People.com, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Transform public-internal data fusion into simple, actionable insights anyone can use.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This Lulus bag is primarily matte and clean, with just a tinge of silver on the top handle and cutesy bow.
    Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 22 Feb. 2025
  • To get this result, Dempsey recommends the Dior Addict Lip Tint for its transfer-proof, semi-matte finish.
    Loren Savini, Allure, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Out-of-season tomatoes—notoriously pale, mealy, and bland—tend to be tomatoes in name only.
    Rachel Sugar, The Atlantic, 24 July 2025
  • Apparently, the line is bland but also profound and ironic, and all of that whooshes over my head, too, but that’s Saturday.
    Caitlin Lovinger, New York Times, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • Then in the 1920s the style changed to short gowns with a thin profile.
    Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Teams may need to build thin wrappers around LLMs, integrate retrieval pipelines or fine-tune models to deliver useful results.
    Albert Lie, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • And despite a decline in social occasions, apartment space, and even personal time, dinner parties display resilience and special fascination.
    Emma Sandler, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Castle Apartments: Built in 1906, Castle Apartments was originally Whitwell Hospital and has been a sanatorium, retirement home and residential apartments over the years.
    Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 5 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flat. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

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