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
His latest best seller, The Meaning of Your Life, aims to help anyone who finds that, even while enjoying successes by many measures, their existence feels empty. The Week Us, TheWeek, 15 Apr. 2026 The movie was made even stranger by then-Hollywood heavyweights like Jackie Chan, Whoopi Goldberg, and Robert Evans playing heightened versions of themselves — not to mention an unsettling performance by Harvey Weinstein as a private detective that has, to put it mildly, not aged well. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Transfer batter to prepared pan, and spread into an even layer. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026 That enthusiasm was echoed by 21-year-old Waukesha County resident Tyler Pudleiner who hoped that Lazar's election will maintain an even balance on the court to allow ideas from both parties to be heard. Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
This face serum brightens and evens skin tone, fights free radicals, supports collagen production, and softens the look of fine lines and wrinkles for glowing, healthy-looking skin. Tory Johnson, ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026 But a deflected puck slipped by Gustavsson at close range, and Boston hit an empty net in the final minute as the Bruins evened their season series with the Wild. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 28 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for even
Recent Examples of Synonyms for even
Adverb
  • My sisters certainly haven’t lost me to Hugh.
    David Sedaris, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
  • If there's a better version of Madison Taylor, that would certainly be scary for any of the Wildcats opponents the rest of the way.
    Matt Zahn, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • While my skin doesn’t quite sparkle or reflect like glass, the results are subtle yet effective.
    Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Manson can’t quite make up her mind about the value proposition of institutional inertia.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Matching five numbers without the Powerball number is enough to result in a seven-figure prize, with the exact payout dependent on ticket add-ons.
    Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026
  • And of course, that is the exact area where injuries have hit at the worst possible time.
    Arpon Basu, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Most of the candidates’ pledges, such as tackling unaffordability, reducing gas prices, increasing capacity in state prisons, protecting gun owners’ rights and keeping trans athletes out of girls’ locker rooms, are nearly identical.
    Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • His numbers are nearly identical to last year’s campaign and Oklahoma City has the best record in basketball.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Pollards Apiary and Gifts now attracts a steady stream of regulars, all of whom pull into her personal driveway and either drop cash or use Venmo to shop.
    Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The threat of rising inflation will likely mean the central bank continues to hold interest rates steady.
    Damian J. Troise, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • This strategy allows investors to smooth the impact of interest rate fluctuations over time.
    Michelle Fox, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Process until smooth or close to smooth.
    Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Sara Aparacio, a resident cleaning expert at Homeaglow, equates scrubbing an appliance with an abrasive sponge to rubbing it with very fine sandpaper.
    Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Completed around 1570 in northern Italy, the Villa Rotonda features symmetrical facades and harmonious proportions that have been equated with Renaissance humanism and rationalism.
    Kevin D. Murphy, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Artisanal work of this caliber is rare air indeed—an heirloom object that appears to defy gravity but is firmly rooted in generations of savoir faire.
    Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Some pundits claim that social media is the equivalent to smoking cigarettes or illicit drugs, a common but false claim in technology moral panics (indeed such comparisons have been identified as a warning sign of misinformation).
    William Proctor, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Even.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/even. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.

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