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
But like The Bad News Bears’ rangy little dirtbag on the dirtbike, there was no dishonor in the loss, even if the fans would’ve found even greater consolation in a title. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 11 Sep. 2026 That’s been true of many movies, even some fine ones, about the Civil Rights movement or the gay rights movement. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026
Adjective
In many cases, defense companies require their own personnel to make repairs or replace parts, an expensive process that can leave equipment sidelined for months or even years. Luis Martinez, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026 The organizers plan to move the ceremony around Europe in odd years but host it in Zürich in even years. Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 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
  • Indeed, scientists believe that, regardless of whether 2026 breaks the record for hottest year ever, 2027 almost certainly will do so because of the El Niño conditions.
    Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 10 Sep. 2026
  • When Washington plays at Philadelphia, Drew Stevens will almost certainly become the eighth.
    Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Adverb
  • Creative director Dan Hay's (known for his work on the modern Far Cry games) teased a game that's quite different from what's shown in the first CG trailer above.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • How to Use Coriander as a Spice Although cilantro and coriander come from the same plant, their flavors—and kitchen uses—are quite different.
    Rachel Gillett, Martha Stewart, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • As the names of the nearly 3,000 victims are read aloud, a bell rings at the exact minute each of the four planes crashed and when each of the twin towers fell.
    Lila Dominus, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026
  • These are compared to a map of magnetic anomalies previously prepared to arrive at the exact location of the sensor, without using a satellite signal.
    Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 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
  • The Pauli exclusion principle prevents identical fermions from occupying the same quantum state.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The agents also allegedly impersonated a moderator on the wiki, using an identical Cyrillic е character in the admin's username instead of the Latin one.
    Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Tuesday's data also showed that 92% of Americans had health insurance for some or all of the year, a near-historic high that has held fairly steady for the past decade.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Historically, these institutions have better withstood economic downturns, helping ensure a steady influx of new tenants and a stable employment base.
    Justin Donald, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • This flattering style smooths the neck, concealing wrinkles and adding definition to the jawline by hiding a double chin or loose skin.
    Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 11 Sep. 2026
  • These include load smoothing, low-voltage ride-through, demand response and grid stabilization.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • My 25-year career had taught me to equate sales targets and budgets with accountability.
    Sebastian Guth, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The character is a type-A perfect student who never has a single hair out of place — a way of being that Gerber has stepped into after years in the fashion industry where perfection is often equated with sublime beauty.
    Michel Ghanem, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Even.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/even. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

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