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

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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
As has no doubt become evident even at this early stage of our article, identikit stadiums of the flat-pack variety located in retail parks are something of a no-no for this writer. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026 Retail gross margin was flat in junior's and children's apparel and down slightly in men's apparel, accessories and shoes. — John Magsam, Arkansas Online, 13 Aug. 2026
Adverb
France caught the All Blacks flat-footed with Penaud's opening try. — ABC News, 4 July 2026 It was modeled after canal packet boats of yore, which were squat and flat-roofed to fit beneath the low railroad bridges that crossed the canal. — Betsy Andrews, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
Noun
From compression packing cubes to foldable ballet flats, these are the space-saving staples that made my entire packing list fit—starting at just $9. — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 7 Aug. 2026 Maye’s 2-minute drill appeared to end on a short pass that Marcus Jones jumped near the right flat for a pick, but Vrabel gave the offense another chance with 27 seconds left. — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 6 Aug. 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
  • While the exact timing and intensity of the impacts are still uncertain and will ultimately depend on how close Lala tracks to the Hawaiian islands, heavy rain, strong winds and rough surf impacts are likely this weekend.
    — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • According to the outlet, casings found outside the building suggest the shooting began outside and then continued inside the apartment, but an investigation into the exact circumstances continues.
    — Adam England, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of exact
Adjective
  • Now the seven most boring, starting with the most tolerable (comments edited for grammar and clarity).
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026
  • It’s been a boring week for Makyah, who’s in third grade at Banneker Elementary.
    — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of boring
Adjective
  • There’s a symmetry despite all four stands having a different design, ranging from the concrete pillars of the Bramall Lane end to the much smoother lines seen along the John Street Stand.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Pips-in rubber, or inverted rubber, is smooth on the outer surface, and the pips instead touch the inside of the foam.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of smooth
Adjective
  • That has left oil supplies being released in intermittent waves, rather than returning to the stable, steady flow seen in the past.
    — , CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Unlike many other regions, Australian largetooth sawfish appear to have maintained relatively stable genetic diversity since at least the 1960s.
    — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of stable
Adjective
  • The task seemed like a simple one for a digital agent, as the booking form was online.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Mungiu refuses to supply easy answers or simple paths to identification in this compelling provocation, which poses unresolvable questions to viewers about our biases and presumptions.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of simple
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
Definition of matte
Adjective
  • Whereas Marvel Tokon looks unforgettable, Wolverine's bland stab at realism looks like little more than another boring bootleg movie.
    — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Matching Pillows to Couch Fabric Matching your throw pillows to your sofa upholstery fabric can result in a bland and boring look.
    — Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of bland
Adjective
  • Farinacci often spent days and even weeks scouting potential fire locations, monitoring weather and wildfire data, and planning to set multiple fires to stretch firefighting resources thin, according to detectives.
    — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Those moments are sobering reminders of just how thin the margins are for the Phillies rotation, which has been excellent for the most part, though extremely top-heavy.
    — Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 9 Aug. 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 15 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on flat

Nglish: Translation of flat for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about flat

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