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even

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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

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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
Not even college and pro sports teams approach its commitment to the concept. John Blake, CNN Money, 26 May 2025 And the lip-reading subtitles kind of evolved even in postproduction. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 26 May 2025
Adjective
Bryson DeChambeau signed for an even par 71 on Thursday at the PGA Championship. Savannah Leigh Richardson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025 At last count, some 64 NGOs across the Philippines are facing criminal charges including financing terrorism or even murder. Charlie Campbell, Time, 16 May 2025
Verb
Mike Francesa, the New York sports radio legend, showed yet another example of that after the New York Knicks’ loss to the Detroit Pistons in Game 2 of the first round, which evens up the NBA Playoffs series. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025 The Judgment Day interfered, but Penta evened the odds by taking out both JD McDonagh and Carlito. Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for even
Recent Examples of Synonyms for even
Adverb
  • In my experience as an actor and as a singer, the thing that has been most useful for me on Broadway, on film sets, and certainly in my concert career is my experience in the small room.
    Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2025
  • But some Wall Street analysts cautioned that investors shouldn’t get too excited: The economic pain caused by tariffs remains, and Trump will almost certainly fight to maintain his signature policy.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 29 May 2025
Adverb
  • Looking up height requirements in advance can avoid disappointment for kids who may not be quite tall enough for some rides.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • This advantage is quite significant in at least two ways.
    Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • To boost your chances of reaching a real person’s desk, use the exact job title and key phrases from the job description in your application, and be sure to quantify every achievement with actual data.
    Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • The new owner’s exact plans for the site are still being hashed out, but the group has created a map with a main street that travels the length of the property and is surrounded by 13 different blocks, most about an acre in size.
    Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • That said, Target has a nearly identical bag, shape and all.
    Robyn Merrett, StyleCaster, 29 May 2025
  • While the top-spec Ultra model features a carbon-fiber frame and front suspension, the Track Edition has a visually identical frame made of 6061 aluminum and is a pure hardtail with no suspension.
    William Roberson, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Those heartbreaking moments led to the slow and steady decline that started in the 2000s.
    Mark Morales, CNN Money, 29 May 2025
  • Aries Shuhua Xiong Building the foundation of dreams fulfilled Slow and steady, Aries.
    Colin Bedell, Them., 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Team personnel filled the gap and smoothed it over to create a flat surface.
    Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 22 May 2025
  • But Ventura alleged that Combs was not in the mood to smooth things over.
    Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Visibility bias The tendency to equate being seen with being productive creates a powerful impression when managers observe employees responding to emails at 11 PM or joining weekend calls.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • Reali is a passionate guy and is understandably disappointed the program is signing off Friday afternoon, but to equate this game show — where points are awarded for takes — in any way with journalism is one of the problems that has developed in media over the 23 years of ATH.
    Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Adverb
  • This is very compact indeed, having just a sink and quartz countertop.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 May 2025
  • The resulting 2022 report concluded that the grid was indeed inadequate but led to little in the way of solutions.
    Tony Schick, ProPublica, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Even.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/even. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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