flat 1 of 3

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

3
4
5
6
7
8

flat

2 of 3

adverb

flat

3 of 3

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
Something fell in the flat above us, or rather someone. Photovogue, Vogue, 11 June 2026 Voucher use in the county remained flat for more than a decade, hovering around 4,000, before the 2018-2019 school year. Austin Horn june 11, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026
Adverb
Others are flat-topped and squat. Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 1 May 2026 Built from corrugated cardboard with a water-resistant coating, the drone is lightweight, inexpensive, and can be shipped flat-packed for rapid assembly in about five minutes. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
Add an understated top with flats and a modern blazer for the office, or opt for a sleeveless blouse and slingback heels for a perfectly polished finish. Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 27 May 2026 Stocks also jumped after the report, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq entering positive territory and the Dow flat. Sarah Min,lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for flat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flat
Adjective
  • Then, just moments later — 16 seconds to be exact — Mitch Marner was credited with a goal after Carolina defenseman Sean Walker tipped his shot into the back of his own net.
    Matt Reigle, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2026
  • The man’s name and the exact cause of his medical condition or injury was not available but will be confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office.
    City News Service, Daily News, 7 June 2026
Adjective
  • If your summer wardrobe is feeling a bit boring or outdated, don’t fret — Amazon just added tons of new styles to its sale section, and my top picks are all going for $10 or less.
    Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
  • Finally, the institution must be financially boring.
    Christos Korgan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • Her voice startled me, both rough and smooth—like a bottle of whiskey set in front of a princess.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026
  • But when a driver removes their foot from the Air’s accelerator, speed reduction is smooth.
    James Raia, Mercury News, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Emergency medical services transported the victims to the hospital in stable condition.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 8 June 2026
  • As the aircraft moves backward, the pilot starts each of the primary engines and brings them up to a stable idle.
    David Szondy June 07, New Atlas, 7 June 2026
Adjective
  • My wife goes into the kitchen and returns with beer, fruit, and a few simple dishes.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • The measure needs a simple majority to win.
    Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • The long-wearing formula sets to a semi-matte finish that resists oil and humidity, too.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The Flaws has a touch of Severance with its bland office setting and humor overlayed with symbolism but Reiber preferred to cite older influences.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 9 June 2026
  • Has Cannes gone soft or have the movies become bland?
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • The worst place at a factory to work for was always the screen-printing department—the hot metal and lacquer thinner produce pungent toxins that workers have no choice but to inhale.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026
  • While knee-high boots are ideal for a concert or a shopping day, don’t be afraid to go casual via thin sneakers or flip-flops.
    India Roby, Glamour, 8 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flat. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on flat

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster