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

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

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
Bizarrely, this is not even on the menu. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Mar. 2026 The project was funded through a transportation grant and cost more than double the previous, even after being adjusted for inflation. Johane Saintil, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Traditionally, testing and fixing designs can take months or even years. Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026 Add a blazer in a lighter color, like gray, for an even chicer vibe. Tatiana Ojea, Glamour, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
Senior 100-point scorer Joey Ryan (goal, assist) evened up the score for Canton soon after to head into the break at 1-1, but Burlington again struck early in the second with Nick Tulipano’s tally to regain the 2-1 advantage. Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 8 Mar. 2026 After dominating possession against San Miguelito, the Galaxy allowed a first-half goal, but Joseph Paintsil’s 68th-minute tally evened the series. Damian Calhoun, Daily News, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for even
Recent Examples of Synonyms for even
Adverb
  • There are certainly areas for all parties to improve, Hernandez said.
    Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 23 Mar. 2026
  • These certainly aren’t the only proposals candidates have on the topic, or all the candidates who are running for governor, but rather just some of the ideas floated to voters recently.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 22 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • And if the calm of the room interior hasn’t quite washed away the busy day, the indulgently oversized marble bathtubs certainly will.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Now they are headed toward the play-in tournament or, quite possibly, the actual NBA playoffs.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Officials also released a photo of Campos allegedly leaving a hotel in New Mexico, although the exact time and place the photo was purportedly taken wasn't immediately clear.
    Austen Erblat, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Imagine discovering that someone else lives at your exact address — 15 miles away.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Their hair is the same color and the beat is identical, which is particularly impressive given that Jane had the oldest skin to work with.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Collaboration tools like Live Share allow developers to edit and debug code together in real time without needing identical local environments.
    StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • That alone would create a challenging year for water managers, who rely on slow and steady snowmelt to feed streams, rivers and reservoirs and meet spring and summer demand for irrigation and drinking water.
    Mira Rojanasakul, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Besides the Federal Reserve, central banks in Europe, Japan and the United Kingdom also held their interest rates steady this past week.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Weeks later, the Queen tapped that relationship to smooth a diplomatic contretemps.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Instead of focusing on a single step, these formulas tend to combine exfoliation, hydration, brightening, and smoothing into one multipurpose formula.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In the latter category was presenter Jimmy Kimmel, who, in an act of exaggeration that would be Swiftian if intentional, equated the free speech policies of North Korea with those of, um, CBS.
    Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Although many wine lovers equate cost with quality, Errazuriz is not concerned about the reasonable price.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 15 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Or, indeed, how many musical notes?
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2026
  • At present, scramjet engine development is one of the hardest engineering problems to solve, so any boost to that will be very useful indeed.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Even.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/even. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.

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