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
This second sizzling week may even put monthly temperature records in jeopardy, according to the weather service. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026 Meanwhile, some companies have even provided support to consumers in China who are looking to use OpenClaw with their tools. Evelyn Cheng,dylan Butts, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Then, for those seeds to grow, rainstorms need to occur at an even interval between winter and spring. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026 There's something so posh about a crisp-white peplum It's made even chicer when it's worn with matching pants and shoes. Christina Perrier, InStyle, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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 The Sabres had a big chance on the power play late in the third but narrowly missed on a few chances that could have evened the game. Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for even
Recent Examples of Synonyms for even
Adverb
  • Stack is the sly and cunning one, chatty and quick to grin, unlike his brother, yet certainly with things weighing on him as well.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Sometimes the coat is the outfit, and this one certainly meets the moment.
    Minty Mellon, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • But, as the historian and New Yorker contributor Daniel Immerwahr points out, these latest American acts of aggression represent something quite different.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2026
  • His family is not quite as enthusiastic.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The rules have since been changed, and only an exact tie in votes now qualifies for two awards.
    Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
  • And that’s the exact advantage Mansfield Summit’s smothering defense created in the Class 5A Division II state championship.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Recently, the Pet Poison Helpline identified an identical illness in dogs that ingested large amounts of cream of tartar (one dog ate homemade Play-Dough), or tamarind pods or paste (used in Southeast Asian dishes).
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Senate Republicans have found themselves in a spot nearly identical to the one Democrats were in four years ago.
    Paul Kane, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • This morning invites kinder, steadier conversations.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Despite a disappointing March 6 jobs report showing a 92,000-job loss in February, traders expectpolicymakers to hold rates steady at next week's meeting.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • That’s why our testers—spanning a wide range of skin types, ages, and skin concerns—have spent months determining which products actually deliver on their fine-line-smoothing and dark-circle-erasing promises.
    Grace McCarty, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Additionally, the screen uses auto-smoothing flex glass, which is resistant to deformation and better able to recover its original shape.
    Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Although many wine lovers equate cost with quality, Errazuriz is not concerned about the reasonable price.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Pittman, who had already admonished another defense lawyer for bringing an authorized poster board that juxtaposed scenes of seemingly peaceful protest with a fiery riot, suggested that the defense was trying to equate its side of the case with the civil rights movement.
    Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • That’s the next big step for San Diego State’s men’s basketball team and its boosters if Saturday’s 73-62 loss indeed denies the Aztecs a sixth consecutive berth in the NCAA Tournament.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Less than two months later, the DNA tests came back — Jane Doe was indeed Sheila Ramsey.
    Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Even.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/even. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.

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