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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
The plan leverages Verizon’s 5G/4G LTE infrastructure and simplifies service with flat monthly pricing and no hidden fees. Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025 Support your arm with a flat surface, and place the cuff at the level of your heart. Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025
Adverb
MiuMiu practically declared the satin ballet flat the it-fall shoe back in 2022, sending models down the runway in various color combos of their dainty flats with warm chunky socks. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 18 Oct. 2025 Among the highlights, a Sam Edelman Felicia ballet flat priced at $100 at the start of TAG’s checks in April remains at $100. Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
The following year, The Row launched its mesh flats, popularizing the beloved silhouette. Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2025 Although Sean Lennon did dispute an ending where the Greenwich flat is demolished. Whitney Friedlander, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flat
Adjective
  • Kroger asking customers for exact change Though legally able to do so, Kroger so far is not refusing pennies or cash payments.
    Alexander Coolidge, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
  • While the exact names differ by brand, most follow a similar pattern.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite looking like a fighter pilot who could win a game of dogfight football, Colin isn’t framed as a temptation for Marissa, and a lack of sexy secrets proves to be a recurring blind spot for the series, even if those two have plenty of other skeletons in their massive, boring closets.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2025
  • All this after Fern just wanted to renovate her boring bookseller life by starting over next to her orc pal Viv’s coffee shop!
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Coaching is stable under Jon Scheyer, who starts his fourth season after replacing the legendary Mike Krzyzewski.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The fund aims to support original game projects from the R&D phase with early-stage capital, offering Taiwanese development teams stable financial backing and professional guidance to transform their ideas into internationally competitive original IPs.
    Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • According to Bruce Blair, a former Air Force launch officer and nuclear policy expert, between 1962 and the mid-1970s the most powerful digits on the globe were simple – eight zeros.
    Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
  • That something as simple as a COVID vaccine might improve survival in cancer patients receiving standard immunotherapy has taken oncologists by surprise — in a good way.
    Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The long-wearing formula sets to a semi-matte finish that resists oil and humidity, too.
    Sarah Han, Allure, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Gone are the days of the ultra-matte liquid lipstick.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Super Chai Fuel was a touch bland, but could be a good option for those who prefer something less sweet.
    Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Oct. 2025
  • If your instinct, in other words, is to smooth things over with a bland fabrication, try dropping a tiny truth bomb instead.
    James Parker, The Atlantic, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • At Paradromics, researchers have developed a chip with thinner wires than the Utah array, something that reduces, but does not eliminate, the damage done to brain tissue.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 6 Nov. 2025
  • This recipe calls for fresh tomatillos, which look like small green tomatoes wrapped in thin papery skin.
    Patricia S York, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025
Adverb
  • The Mets struggled down the stretch and missed the postseason completely despite having one of the highest payrolls in the league.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Beach players stepped on the baseline three times in the first half and another, trying to avoid a shot blocker, lofted a runner completely over the backboard in the second.
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flat. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

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