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

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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
Their home was like a zoo, filled with dogs, cats and even iguanas. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026 Silver said the league wanted to ensure that even the most experienced players wouldn't notice a change in how the ball feels or bounces. — Jessica Golden, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2026
Adjective
From what was supposed to be an even series, to the Rays becoming big favorites to advance in just one game, because a good pitcher had his best stuff. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026 Due to legal quirks, the countywide highway district — the only one of its kind in Idaho — can only ask voters to approve it during an even-year general election. — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 6 Oct. 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. — ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026 On Friday, however, as the Dodgers evened the series with a 3-1 win against the Milwaukee Brewers, history didn’t repeat itself. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for even
Recent Examples of Synonyms for even
Adverb
  • Next-level attentiveness from friendly staff certainly helps.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Skydance certainly seems interested in moving quickly to bring back certain franchises.
    — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 2026
Adverb
  • The press release probably didn’t need to also say the company imbued it with distinctive character or charm; that’s quite obvious from the design.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Nothing, however, has lived on quite like his appreciation for the mundane.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The singer-songwriter had purchased the exact vintage Gunne Sax maxi dress Meg White wore on the cover of the White Stripes’ 2003 album Elephant, released the same year she was born.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2026
  • An exact cause of death was never determined amid accusations that the boy, who had frequent seizures, had been deprived of crucial medication.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Our guide to the best cameras features a range of pro-level models.
    — Harry Bennett, Space.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Inside, a whopping 10 types of hyaluronic acid—spanning high to ultra-low molecular weights—soak your skin in deep, multi-level hydration.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The film, based on Josh Malerman‘s 2024 novel Incidents Around the House, follows a family whose house is haunted by a sinister entity that looks and sounds identical to the mother, with both versions played by the star.
    — Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
  • This cartography of development is now helping researchers understand how identical cells in the early embryo develop into the distinct tissues and cell types of a complex organism.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • With each new season, the series has expanded its audience base across both broadcast and streaming platforms, and this popularity has also translated into steady DVD sales.
    — Ed Meza, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Optimism among managers and above held steady at 59%, and 80% reported positive financial returns from AI, though only 28% called those returns strongly positive.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • To smooth checkout, big brands are adding real-time shipping calculations directly into the shopping process.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Wireless, shaping and smoothing bra styles and underwear packs are also available.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Yet in a culture that equates progress with perpetual acceleration, to pause is to risk obsolescence.
    — Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Blackwell equated Robinson’s impact to that of Sidney Poitier, Thurgood Marshall and Jackie Robinson.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Even.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/even. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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