even 1 of 3

Definition of evennext
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
This sort of convenience comes with a trade-off, even with Apple's promises of privacy and on-device processing. Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 20 Sep. 2026 Mortgage rates fell into the 3% range in the 2010s and even lower during COVID-19, but such deals are long gone. ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026
Adjective
When Los Angeles held its first even-year election in 2022, turnout nearly doubled, and winner Karen Bass received more votes than any mayoral candidate in city history. David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026 The company's Dreamforce showcase event is next week, which could be a further catalyst for a stock that still has some work to do to get back to even year to date. Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026
Verb
Grisham went deep off starter Bryce Miller in the fifth, when the Yankees evened it at 5 after trailing by three. CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026 Alshon somehow evens things up against the dominant Lenard for 18-18, handing things to the #1 singles player Haworth. Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for even
Recent Examples of Synonyms for even
Adverb
  • None of the resolutions have made it to the president's desk, where Trump would almost certainly veto the measure.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Standing in the backyard of a house situated near a neighboring golf course, rider screams are certainly audible, and residents said the consistency of them is destroying their quality of life.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Adverb
  • Some of the guests on board had upcoming bookings for the top-of-the-line (and priced like it) ship, though many remained quite fond of our Le Lyrial.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • So anyway, my artistic trajectory was going along quite nicely in Joy Division.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The shift of money does not eliminate foreign military financing for Tunisia, Iraq, North Macedonia or Slovakia, although the exact amount remaining for those countries was not immediately clear.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The exact amount of the wide-ranging deal between ESPN and Peyton Manning and his Omaha Productions is not known, but it is believed to be in the same neighborhood as Brady and McAfee.
    Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The latter price is lower than its predecessor ($179), while both models add Pro-level features.
    Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The Daily Garage is a multi-level garage with more than 8,000 spaces.
    Renee Anderson, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Instead, two coaches making almost identical money were standing on opposite sidelines Saturday night trying to revive two programs with almost identical problems.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The standing-room-only meeting was full of people wearing identical caps.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • While the complexities around working within a park that his ancestors had been removed from remain, Mgesi now supports much of his extended family with the steady wage.
    Juliet Kinsman, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Such rhetoric has contributed to Lula’s small but steady lead in most polls.
    Andre Pagliarini, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Saltair’s refill pods lean on BHAs and zinc ricinoleate to tackle odor while smoothing skin — a skincare-crossover pitch that reframes deodorant as part of a beauty routine rather than a utilitarian purchase.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Ahead, our favorite formulas help smooth things over—whatever’s behind the bumps.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Xi equates compromise with weakness and has a hard time understanding the give-a-little-to-get-a-little logic that is the heart and soul of diplomacy.
    Orville Schell, Foreign Affairs, 16 Sep. 2026
  • My 25-year career had taught me to equate sales targets and budgets with accountability.
    Sebastian Guth, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Even.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/even. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

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