flat 1 of 3

adjective

ˈflat How to pronounce flat (audio)
Definition of flatnext
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

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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

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3
as in plane
having a surface without bends, breaks, or irregularities preferred riding her bike on a flat road

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4
as in stable
having been established and usually not subject to change charged a flat rate for priority shipping

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5
as in simple
having no exceptions or restrictions a flat denial of the charges

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6
as in matte
lacking a surface luster or gloss used a flat paint for the condo's interior walls

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7
as in bland
lacking in qualities that make for spirit and character a dull, flat reading of a story that was really quite exciting

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8
as in thin
lacking in taste or flavor this pasta dish tastes a little flat

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flat

2 of 3

adverb

as in completely
to a full extent or degree I am flat broke this week

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flat

3 of 3

noun

chiefly British
as in apartment
a room or set of rooms in a private house or a block used as a separate dwelling place had to take on a third roommate in order to afford the bigger flat

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
For side sleepers and anyone worried about ear health, Laird recommends a soft sleep headband with flat speakers or a pillow speaker because those keep the ear canal more open. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026 This includes warp and weft knitting, dyeing, digital, flat-bed and heat-transfer printing, stentering and finishing proficiencies. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
Adverb
My dad had started hunting the open farm fields of western Wisconsin and wanted a powerful and flat-shooting rifle (this was in a time before laser rangefinders). — John B. Snow, Outdoor Life, 24 Sep. 2026 But hazy dishes plus faucet buildup plus flat-lathering shampoo appearing together is a pattern worth testing. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026
Noun
Dior’s charm letter T-strap sandal, the patchwork bandanna flats at Celine, and Loewe’s super soft new fold-over bag in spearmint. — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 Ahead, find our favorite chocolate brown suede pieces for fall, including boots, flats, and several fun ways to accessorize. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flat
  1. exact
  2. boring
  3. smooth
  4. stable
  5. simple
  6. matte
  7. bland
  8. thin
Adjective
  • Even better, Molly is the exact right amount of Instagram accessible while still being kept at a classy remove.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The notices will include specific information about their 2027 benefits, including exact payment dates and dollar amounts as well as any deductions.
    — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of exact
Adjective
  • Most impressive is its capacity to achieve the perfect balance between design and sophistication, without being uptight or boring.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The game was pretty boring overall, and the Seahawks looked like the significantly better team.
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of boring
Adjective
  • Court challenges meant this process wasn't always smooth, but the results speak from themselves.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
  • If Waldron, who currently serves as Goldman president and chief operating officer, takes over as CEO, Solomon would likely remain as executive chairman for a period of time, an arrangement designed to engineer a smooth handoff.
    — Hugh Son,Laya Neelakandan,Leslie Picker,Ritika Shah, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of smooth
Adjective
  • Compact optical clocks could eventually contribute to such systems by providing stable timing references onboard vehicles, reducing dependence on external signals.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Under some circumstances, however, solutions exist that allow for a stable system even if two such planets interact.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of stable
Adjective
  • His lyrics, his hooks, his unmistakable voice, his optimism, his belief in the power of a simple song to make people feel good.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Some people want to change the world, and others want to operate in simple harmony with it and savor life.
    — Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • The finish is a semi-matte—smooth, satin, and shine-free—that looks looks like velvet on the lips.
    — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Its 85-inch QLED display features a highly matte anti-glare screen, so your art and movies look lifelike without annoying reflections.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 11 Mar. 2026
Definition of matte
Adjective
  • The high-wire act that followed—in which performers had to make these bland conceits into something funny without, ostensibly, preparing any jokes in advance—introduced a tension that made sketch shows feel sedate and uneven by comparison.
    — Dan Brooks, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The rising cost of these licenses has also led to the mass production of bland designs.
    — Matt Martell, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of bland
Adjective
  • Bajaria may also have hit thin ice with Sarandos after the streamer won just 16 Primetime Emmy Awards this year — its worst showing since 2016 and down from 30 in 2025.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • It was designed with a column, sheath silhouette, with sequins, thin spaghetti straps and a midlength skirt.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of thin

Phrases Containing flat

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flasks
flat
flatboat
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Cite this Entry

“Flat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flat. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on flat

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about flat

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