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

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
Remember that spa and pool systems are complex, and even the best home warranty for pool coverage doesn’t cover everything. Jamela Adam, USA Today, 20 May 2026 Dear Eric: In my social club there is a woman who, for two years now, has deliberately snubbed me and will not even return a hello. R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 19 May 2026
Adjective
On his Served podcast in April, Andy Roddick recalled the miserable feeling of being in an even rally against Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic or Rafael Nadal, the players that drove him into retirement. Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 26 May 2026 Peel and slice the bananas about ¼ to ½ inch thick and arrange them in an even layer across the bottom of the greased pan. Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 May 2026
Verb
All of the ingredients were there for the Red Sox in Wednesday’s 3-1 win over the Phillies, which evened the series at one game apiece. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 14 May 2026 Mateo Silvetti evened it at 3-3 in the 79th minute after coming on as a substitute. ABC News, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for even
Recent Examples of Synonyms for even
Adverb
  • With rooms ranging from 910 to 2,100 square feet, there’s plenty of room to stretch your legs, and the private walk-out balconies beholding all of the Strip certainly don’t hurt.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 May 2026
  • Meanwhile, Adam Aznou is yet to convince Moyes since joining from Bayern Munich last summer — the 19-year-old Morocco international is yet to feature in a Premier League game for Everton — and cover will almost certainly be sought at left-back.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 25 May 2026
Adverb
  • Despite his enduring success, Rollins was never quite satisfied with his art, occasionally taking lengthy hiatuses from playing and consistently adopting eclectic new styles.
    CBS News, CBS News, 26 May 2026
  • At a time when teenagers are trying to discover themselves, and how to be comfortable, Fedje’s coaching offered many students a comfortable place in a world that otherwise didn’t seem to quite fit, Sintek said.
    Elliot Mann, Twin Cities, 26 May 2026
Adjective
  • The exact reason why is debated by scientists, but theories include a huge collision in early Martian history, or unstable mantle plumes.
    Tom Brown, Space.com, 25 May 2026
  • The rooms Each stand-alone A-frame tent is structured and designed the exact same—the only difference between the rooms is the view.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 May 2026
Adjective
  • According to the trial findings, outcomes among lower-risk patients were nearly identical regardless of whether chemotherapy was used.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 May 2026
  • With 25 points for a win, that means Russell could soon be two whole race wins behind his young in-house rival; never a comfortable spot when competing against someone with identical equipment.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • Excessive Heat When temperatures sit at a steady high, tomato plants get stressed.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
  • Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria — like South Africa — had been easing monetary policy before the conflict broke out, but chose to hold their lending rates steady in recent weeks.
    Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • If the hummus has separated, blend in a little water and tahini, along with the olive oil and lemon juice, to help smooth it out.
    Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 25 May 2026
  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared baking pans and use an offset spatula to smooth the tops.
    CBS News, CBS News, 24 May 2026
Verb
  • No, Hantavirus Is Not COVID-26 Speaking of the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of social media posts have been trying to somehow equate hantaviruses to COVID-19.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
  • Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy equated Brown’s role this season to a fork in the road, though not in a do-this-or-things-won’t-go-well way.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026
Adverb
  • That Field finds herself in this state is a low moment indeed; even the human performers in the sitcom My Mother the Car escaped with more dignity than a two-time Oscar-winning actress spilling her soul to a cephalopod mollusk.
    Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2026
  • And indeed, that occurs at some point for many of us.
    Helen Dennis, Daily News, 30 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Even.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/even. Accessed 31 May. 2026.

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