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

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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
From studying best practices for growing the plants to connecting with the gardening market on a global level, producing and distributing a new variety is no small feat. Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2025 When traveling with a partner, or with friends, the strategizing can reach a whole other level. Zach Wichter, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
Israel has leveled much of Gaza with its air and ground campaign, vowing to destroy Hamas after its Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. Arkansas Online, 26 Apr. 2025 The delay adds to the frustration and fury of Palisades residents, who have questioned why a large reservoir tucked in a canyon above much of the neighborhood was empty when the Jan. 7 wildfire ripped through block after block, leveling thousands of homes and businesses and killing 12. Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Tottenham were suddenly level late in the first half and never looked back. Jack Pitt-Brooke, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024 If the players are level after 14 classical games, a tie-break will be played on December 13. Eduardo Tansley, The Athletic, 23 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for level
Recent Examples of Synonyms for level
Noun
  • The multi-year project is expected to generate thousands of highly skilled jobs while cementing Mumbai’s position as a cornerstone of global film production.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 2 May 2025
  • This is impossible: there is no getting politics out of art because the desire to remove politics from art is itself a political position.
    S. C. Cornell, New Yorker, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • This structure helps borrowers lower their monthly obligations, providing immediate relief for those balancing limited retirement income against rising living expenses.
    Matthew O'Hara, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
  • For a larger living room, a rectangular table beside a sofa balances the scale and provides ample space for a lamp, decor, and everyday necessities.
    Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • The Red Sox may be hoping a similar meeting in Kansas City can smooth things over with their star player.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 10 May 2025
  • From high-proof powerhouses to smooth, easy sippers, this list highlights ten bourbons that deserve more love.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • Elsbeth boss aims to get Captain Wagner (Wendell Pierce) out from behind his desk more next season.
    Alamin Yohannes, EW.com, 9 May 2025
  • The joint venture, which will be co-managed by both corporate heavyweights, aims to fast-track new investment opportunities and Fair Trade Commission approval, according to JoongAng Group’s announcement.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • British retail giant Marks & Spencer has been hit by a cyberattack that's downed its online payments for five days, with a ransomware group known as Scattered Spider reportedly linked to the hack.
    Thomas Brewster, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The group has claimed to have downed 19 of the U.S. military's MQ-9 drones, the latest reportedly shot down on Sunday, throughout the campaign.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • His effect on next-door Canada, however, has been to demolish America’s reputation.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The Pennsylvania home where Yankees great Reggie Jackson spent his childhood was demolished Monday.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The evening is expected to be calm and mild with a low of 57.
    Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 30 Apr. 2025
  • The best way to respond to a tantrum is to remain calm, and attempt to distract the child, such as with a change of location or even making a funny face, according to the Mayo Clinic.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Luminate, the independent data provider to the Billboard charts, completes a thorough review of all data submissions used in compiling the weekly chart rankings.
    Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 4 May 2025
  • The above average ranking mostly reflects her defense.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 2 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Level.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/level. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

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