even 1 of 3

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

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
By such standards, Escobar Blanco is considered lucky: a lawyer was at least available to appear on his behalf in immigration court (many of the men lack even that), and the judge issued an order that can theoretically be challenged (other outcomes can be harder to contest). Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 2 May 2025 Other doctors prefer to see an even longer stable period. Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 2 May 2025
Adjective
The largest section of the book is devoted to vegetables, in the form of towering sandwiches, salads and even pancakes. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025 McIlroy stayed on an even keel after getting back to 12-under, shooting par in his next four holes before taking a four-stroke lead over DeChambeau, Ludvig Åberg and Rose, who birdied four times during a six-hole stretch to get back into the running at 9-under, after birdying the ninth hole. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
After both teams had unsuccessful power plays, the B’s evened the game at 15:58 off a terrific play by Andrew Peeke. Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2025 The Spirit evened it up in the second half with a goal in the 72nd minute. Kyle Foley, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for even
Recent Examples of Synonyms for even
Adverb
  • The voice behind all of the above titles is certainly recognizable in Étoile.
    Judy Berman, Time, 23 Apr. 2025
  • This digging did not start, but was certainly accelerated by the U.S. decision to cut 83 percent of all foreign assistance programs.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • But by the end of the 19th century, the industrial social-economic order that tariffs helped foster were quite different from what earlier protectionists had promised.
    Made by History, Time, 28 Apr. 2025
  • The press, however, was quick to note that Buckley didn’t quite have Vreeland’s panache (though few did).
    Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Taking the time to determine your exact financial situation and set goals can be an enlightening experience.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Bridges made a shot from the same exact spot to lift the Knicks to a wild March 12 overtime victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Plus this episode also delivers peak unhinged Lex while he's stranded on an island post-plane crash and suffering from malaria, which leads to a moment that teases his natural killer instincts that he's kept so well hidden from Clark, and the world, so far.
    Christian Holub, EW.com, 16 Oct. 2021
  • But those cars were powered by pushrod engines with conventional cross-plane cranks.
    Rich Ceppos, Car and Driver, 2 Oct. 2022
Adjective
  • Spirit 70’s hood wears a version of the Porsche crest nearly identical to the badging used in 1963.
    Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • After the meeting wrapped, the three companies issued nearly identical statements.
    Gabrielle Fonrouge,Annika Kim Constantino,Leslie Josephs,Ari Levy,Amelia Lucas,Melissa Repko,Hugh Son,Michael Wayland, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars are steady at No. 1 on the Billboard Global Excl.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • It’s been a place that has been steady through all the change our family has been through the past 10 years.
    Mackenzie Schmidt, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The utility is also supporting emerging business models like charging-as-a-service, rideshare electrification, and curbside charging, while engaging with key stakeholders like the Taxi & Limousine Commission and city permitting agencies to smooth the path forward.
    Stacy Noblet, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Glycerin and panthenol help smooth and soften, while plant extracts like prickly pear support healthy-looking texture and shine.
    Malia Griggs, Glamour, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But even the most sensitive parenting can’t fully insulate boys from the cultural forces that equate masculinity with stoicism, dominance, and economic power—pressures that can shape male identity across class lines, and that can have societal reverberations.
    Joshua Coleman, The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 2025
  • In his remarks, Mr. Trump equated diversity with incompetence, and effectively aligned himself with people who use diversity, equity and inclusion, or D.E.I., as a proxy for race, a dog whistle for white grievance, and a catchall for societal ills.
    Jonathan Swan, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Even.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/even. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

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