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

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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

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

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

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
Kathrin moved out of the flat in the basement of the Velden villa to larger rooms upstairs. Simon Akam, Vanity Fair, 2 Apr. 2026 Shares are flat since the beginning of 2026. Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026
Adverb
In August 2021, President Joe Biden’s political allies were caught flat-footed. Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 12 Mar. 2026 Rasmus Ristolainen was caught flat-footed as Dylan Guenther chipped the puck ahead of the defenseman and sped by him. Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
Below, on the open flat, a lone cow was feeding. Frank Glaser, Outdoor Life, 1 Apr. 2026 Shorts + flats outfit ideas for spring 2026 The combination of shorts + flats equals relaxed, practical outfits with an effortlessly chic touch. René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flat
Adjective
  • Strict regulations required the new buildings to follow the exact blueprint of the original layout, so bungalows, villas and residences are scattered between lush gardens and the shoreline.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Scientists knew it was triggered by the real world creeping in, but the exact microscopic cause remained out of reach.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Curry is pure entertainment, and the NBA is a little more boring without him.
    Sports Columnist, San Francisco Chronicle, 1 Apr. 2026
  • One does detect in Iran hawks a kind of 'will to destruction' and hatred of boring, civilized diplomacy.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • One person from the crash was transported to the hospital and is in stable condition, Philadelphia police said.
    Eva Andersen, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026
  • November 22 – December 21 Sagittarius, your spark finds a stable rhythm.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Build buffer time, trim one commitment, then return to the itinerary with even gentler expectations and a simpler packing list.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Parents, guardians, aunts and uncles don't have time to read every book on the shelf while trying to pick something for the young reader in their life, so here are some simple ways to determine if a book is suitable for that child.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 2 Apr. 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
  • An impressive revolving stage, which displayed both the exterior of the bank and the bland lobby inside, toggled smoothly between scenes.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026
  • In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • While that advice refers primarily to metal utensils, the same principles apply across materials, especially where thin construction can increase the risk of breakage.
    Darlin Tillery, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Not only did that article form the basis of the film, but Lumet actually took the note and cast Pacino in the role of that dark, thin fellow.
    Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • This practice exiles him completely from the realm of literary fiction; some might even question whether Patterson is really a writer.
    Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The structures are called follies and were completely designed and built by students from start to finish.
    Brady Halbleib, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flat. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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