flat 1 of 3

1
as in exact
being neither more nor less than a certain amount, number, or extent industrial growth has been a flat two percent for each of the last four quarters

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in boring
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest a flat portrayal of Benjamin Franklin in the new TV series

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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flat

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adverb

flat

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noun

chiefly British

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective flat contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of flat are even, level, plane, and smooth. While all these words mean "having a surface without bends, curves, or irregularities," flat applies to a surface devoid of noticeable curvatures, prominences, or depressions.

the work surface must be flat

When would even be a good substitute for flat?

In some situations, the words even and flat are roughly equivalent. However, 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 is it sensible to use level instead of flat?

The words level and flat can be used in similar contexts, but level applies to a horizontal surface that lies on a line parallel with the horizon.

the vast prairies are nearly level

Where would plane be a reasonable alternative to flat?

While in some cases nearly identical to flat, 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 smooth a more appropriate choice than flat?

The words smooth and flat are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 flat
Adjective
Keane, though, sees nothing but disaster ahead, a portent presaged by some of the film’s most enduring images, like a stretch limo with a flat tire and a steam room littered with empty champagne bottles. Damon Wise, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025 The flat rate is $88 per month. Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
Adverb
Florida is leaving no stone unturned to avoid falling flat, as expectations are as high as ever. Noah White, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2025 Some people suffer from physical ailments that make sleeping flat uncomfortable, if not dangerous. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
Noun
Mary Jane flats are having a huge moment right now (just ask Jennifer Lawrence), and this pair, on sale for less than $30, is a great budget-friendly option. Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025 Lawrence zhuzhed up the outfit with a pair of black Wayfarer sunglasses, black satin pointy-toe Claudette flats from The Row, and her go-to statement necklaces. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flat
Adjective
  • There is no exact math to predict this time in which the automaker pulls incentive support.
    Jamie L. LaReau, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • The new movie is not a sequel, nor a frame-for-frame remake following the exact recipe of the 1989 original (based on Warren Adler’s 1981 novel).
    Erin Jensen, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Historically, tracking demand for electricity was a boring task marked by little to no change.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Uranus has already been demanding freedom in your day-to-day, pushing you to ditch boring structures.
    Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Although season ticket prices have continued to rise, there is a sense the club has acted sensibly around them and the goodwill generated between the fans and KSE has remained stable.
    Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • All of these efforts stemmed from the belief that democratic societies based on free markets would create politically stable and prosperous societies.
    Time, Time, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • With just a few chairs, a handful of tables and a simple tent, the setting was intimate but filled with love and intention.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • And one of these, for those of us accustomed to British conventions but who follow the game in continental Europe, is the simple passage of time.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This Lulus bag is primarily matte and clean, with just a tinge of silver on the top handle and cutesy bow.
    Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 22 Feb. 2025
  • To get this result, Dempsey recommends the Dior Addict Lip Tint for its transfer-proof, semi-matte finish.
    Loren Savini, Allure, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Food made by white people is often associated with and critiqued for being bland and unseasoned.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
  • This is not bland comfort food.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Pair the duo with fairy lights, a thin linen runner, and more faux foliage to create a stunning seasonal scene.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Note that full containment doesn't mean the fire is completely out.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flat. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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