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
There aren’t many places to hide, and radar can still spot a ship even with its transponder off. David Goldman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026 People — who aren’t even in the beauty industry or in any particular industry — can create trends immediately. Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
This tanning mist can be used alone or blended into your everyday lotion for an even, golden glow. Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 13 Aug. 2026 Spread the mixture into an even layer on a baking sheet or shallow tray. Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 11 Aug. 2026
Verb
The Brooklynites evened the playoff ledger in the 2024 semifinals. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 30 June 2026 While beloved for their loose powders (which Bieber uses), Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturizer is equally as impressive for its lightweight, buildable coverage that evens and blurs skin without contributing to sweat and oil in warm weather. Essence Wiley, InStyle, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for even
Recent Examples of Synonyms for even
Adverb
  • The young Moroccan caught the eye at the World Cup and certainly has the potential to become one of the best deep-lying midfielders in the game.
    Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Over the past several years, South Korea has emerged as a world-class military power – not quite on the level of the US or China, but certainly capable of defending itself against North Korea.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
Adverb
  • The currents in the sea mean that swimming with small children or weak swimmers can be quite unrelaxing.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Jacquelyn is quite private and has no social media accounts.
    Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Beyond that, the exact location of their new home hasn’t been disclosed.
    Max Foster, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • For Southern cooks, teaching is done not through exact measurements, but through showing how to cook with your heart and soul.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The Daily Garage is a multi-level garage with more than 8,000 spaces.
    Renee Anderson, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • This multi-level tale of the battle against oblivion made for one of the Previews’ highlights.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • If only Elanga had managed to finish off an almost identical chance at Villa Park on his Newcastle debut a year ago, then the winger’s first season on Tyneside may have taken on a very different complexion.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • To be sure, today's bond market isn't identical to that of 1987, and several of the underlying conditions that led to Black Monday are not currently at play.
    Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Confirm who pays what, write down the next step, and let clear expectations make home feel steadier.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Pohanka said service as a recurring revenue stream is key to keeping dealerships’ business steady even as the car business faces disruptions spanning from tariffs to supply chain issues.
    Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Instead of a pomade stick, Tauber recommends using Oribe Gel Sérum on coils, applying a generous amount around the hairline before smoothing it back with a boar bristle brush.
    Marci Robin, Allure, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Additional nutrients present in tea, especially Yerba Mate (the favorite drink of the Guarani, many of whom live and hunt in forests year-round), can help smooth the rough edges that coffee can sometimes impose.
    Diana Helmuth, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Many may equate Waymo cars with the white fleet originally seen around town.
    Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • There may be a little more gray in Grohl’s goatee, but don’t equate that with waning stamina.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Even.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/even. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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