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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

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
Our edit includes truly flat options, booties with the most micro-heels possible, and one TikTok-famous pair that literally looks like a pair of socks. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 29 Jan. 2026 These individual mats differ from the main mahjong mat and are purely meant to make gameplay easier—providing a smooth, flat surface that helps reduce noise and protect the tiles and the table underneath. Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Jan. 2026
Adverb
The energy-sapping pace of the game, with furious pressing and frenzied chasing, saw mistakes creep in, with Morocco caught flat by Nicolas Jackson’s 38th-minute pass to Iliman Ndiaye, whose shot was saved by Bounou. Reuters, NBC news, 18 Jan. 2026 Industries which don’t make this pivot—from using AI to cut costs to using it to find new opportunities for growth—are going to be caught flat-footed. Nigel Vaz, Fortune, 15 Jan. 2026
Noun
The cost of seeds is much lower per plant than the cost of buying a flat of plants from the nursery. Mary Grace Granados, Dallas Morning News, 28 Jan. 2026 Holmes stepped out in black leather flats, which fully embodied the low-profile footwear trend that took over the fashion world in 2025. Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flat
Adjective
  • Dearfoams Hannah Knit Clog Slippers Oprah once included these exact Dearfoams slippers in her list of Favorite Things.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Tres leches cake originated in Latin America, though its exact birthplace is disputed—Nicaragua, Mexico, Venezuela, and other countries claim it as their own.
    Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Shopping on a budget doesn't have to be boring.
    Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
  • For the boring old textbook reason of shifting interest rate differentials.
    Kelly Evans, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Reed was hospitalized in serious but stable condition on Sunday afternoon.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Medics took the unconscous survivor, identified by a co-worker as Garo Alexanian, to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Queens in stable condition.
    Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In such a world, simple answers won’t do; only the courage to ask the hardest questions will push us forward.
    Daphne Koller, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Knox, who committed to wrestle at Rutgers University, and his dad were initially charged with simple assault for purposely/knowingly causing bodily injury after a brawl broke out at Collingswood High School on February.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The long-wearing formula sets to a semi-matte finish that resists oil and humidity, too.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 Nov. 2025
  • The 42 mm case wears well thanks to ergonomically short lugs and restrained proportions, on a semi-matte alligator strap with a flamboyant yellow lining.
    Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 12 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • But aside from calling for some bland common sense regulations that should be uncontroversial to any sane person, Roher doesn’t attempt to make anyone agree with him.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 27 Jan. 2026
  • After repeating this loop, the researchers ended up with a bland image of a formal interior space – no people, no drama, no real sense of time and place.
    Ahmed Elgammal, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Once markets started moving lower, thin liquidity intensified such price movements, according to several analysts who provided input for this article.
    Charles Lloyd Bovaird II, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Brush top of crust with egg, then sprinkle remaining ⅓ cup sliced almonds over in a thin layer.
    Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • On Saturday, Afghanistan's National Disaster Management Authority said heavy snowfall and rain had killed 61 people and injured more than 100 across the country, while hundreds of homes have been completely or partially destroyed.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Safe drinking water completely dried up in the town after the fire jumped containment lines and damaged the treatment plant that supplies Gellibrand’s potable water.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flat. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

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