level 1 of 3

as in position
the placement of someone or something in relation to others in a vertical arrangement a young karate student ready to rise to the next level in his chosen art of self-defense

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

level

2 of 3

verb

1
as in to balance
to make equal in amount, degree, or status we'll give both teams the same equipment so as to level the playing field

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to smooth
to make free from breaks, curves, or bumps the construction workers leveled the ground before laying a foundation for the new house

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to aim
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal the marksman leveled his gun at the target and fired

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
5

level

3 of 3

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective level contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of level are even, flat, plane, and smooth. While all these words mean "having a surface without bends, curves, or irregularities," level applies to a horizontal surface that lies on a line parallel with the horizon.

the vast prairies are nearly level

When is it sensible to use even instead of level?

In some situations, the words even and level 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 might flat be a better fit than level?

The meanings of flat and level largely overlap; however, flat applies to a surface devoid of noticeable curvatures, prominences, or depressions.

the work surface must be flat

When is plane a more appropriate choice than level?

The words plane and level are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 could smooth be used to replace level?

The synonyms smooth and level are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 level
Noun
The historic floods saw the state’s Guadalupe River climb to near-record levels and quickly became one of the country’s deadliest disasters for children in recent decades. Rebecca Schneid, Time, 15 July 2025 Starbucks takes its Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher to another level here. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2025
Verb
In their retreat after the last Ice Age, the glaciers of the upper Midwest scraped and ground down peaks and filled in crags, leveling the landscape most associated with Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. Elaine Glusac, AFAR Media, 26 June 2025 This undertaking involves repairing breaks, fixing instabilities, strengthening sculptures or leveling those that have begun to tilt. Paul Nicolaus, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025
Adjective
Sabalenka broke Keys twice, took control of the second set, and suddenly the scores were level. Issy Ronald, CNN, 25 Jan. 2025 Amica Life Insurance Learn More Cost The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote App available Yes Policy highlights Amica offers four straightforward life insurance options — a level term life insurance, and whole life insurance policies payable for 20 years or until ages 65 or 100. Brian Sloan, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for level
Recent Examples of Synonyms for level
Noun
  • Mark the names Billy Carlson, Eli Willits and JoJo Parker, all straight outta high school at that position.
    Greg Cote July 13, Miami Herald, 13 July 2025
  • Haliburton is expected to be sidelined for the entire 2025-26 season, raising questions about whether the Pacers would be in a position to compete for a championship in the near future.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Netanyahu has to balance the demands of his American ally with the far-right parties in his governing coalition, which hold the key to his political survival and oppose ending the war.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 8 July 2025
  • Build governance that balances innovation with accountability.
    Ravi Gedela, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • These pre-soaked exfoliating pads use gentle lactic acid and the brand’s Tri-Enzyme technology to smooth rough patches, fade dark spots, and give your skin that post-facial glow.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 8 July 2025
  • Betteridge speculated that Khloé had received several enhancements, including a temporal brow lift to elevate the outer brow, upper blepharoplasty to smooth the eyelids, and a chin implant.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations.
    Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025
  • Hosted by Centro San Antonio, the event aims to bring the city together in solidarity with families and residents affected by the disaster.
    Robbie Farias, Austin American Statesman, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • As for personal stats, Chestnut downed just over five fewer dogs than his record of 76 hot dogs and buns in 2021.
    Logan Holland, People.com, 4 July 2025
  • Defending champion in the women’s division, Miki Sudo of Tampa, Fla., won her 11th title, downing 33 dogs, besting a dozen competitors.
    Susan Haigh, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • It was held at Isaza’s grandparents’ house, which was about to be demolished.
    Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 10 July 2025
  • An existing, 38,000-square-foot building on the site will be demolished in that development.
    Corina Vanek, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Did your presence create more clarity, more calm, more progress?
    Cicely Simpson, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • Thursday morning’s efforts included six private vessels and a Marine Rescue team, though what was puzzling to some was how calm the sea conditions were and the small amount of wind and swell.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images Recently, a new all-time ranking was revealed by Bleacher Report.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • Chinese universities have risen steadily in global rankings, with 15 schools in mainland China and Hong Kong listed among the top 100 universities on the 2025-2026 Best Global Universities Rankings, compiled by U.S. News and World Report.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 15 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Level.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/level. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on level

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!