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
The flat charge for a ride from cab stands at O'Hare International Airport to downtown (defined as an area bounded by Cermak Road, Fullerton Avenue, Ashland Avenue, and Lake Michigan) or to McCormick Place would go from $24 to $30 per person. Adam Harrington, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026 The front tire was flat, with a screw protruding from it. Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
Adverb
But it was still caught flat-footed, paying up to twice the usual cost for romaine before briefly using other greens in its salads. Bloomberg, Daily News, 26 Feb. 2026 Halo Ridge was an opportunity born from several unsuccessful project ideas that fell flat before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to developers. Kendrick Calfee february 14, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
Disco, Occasionally—and a pair of black leather ballet flats. Ana Serrano, Glamour, 10 Mar. 2026 Needs some fresh air and so leaves his flat and climbs the staircase to the top of the building. Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flat
Adjective
  • The rules have since been changed, and only an exact tie in votes now qualifies for two awards.
    Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
  • And that’s the exact advantage Mansfield Summit’s smothering defense created in the Class 5A Division II state championship.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Mann might have argued that there is not only a moral but also an artistic virtue in being outwardly boring and banal.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
  • More so, mines are too boring to compete for budget.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Yet, history repeatedly shows that destroying a regime is far easier than building a stable political infrastructure in its aftermath.
    Ghassan E. El-Eid, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Washington and Seoul should now shift toward a policy of stable coexistence — focusing on deterrence rather than denuclearization, while encouraging normal diplomatic relations with regular engagement.
    Karishma Vaswani, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Engineers have developed a simple strategy to help robots remain stable while repairing satellites in orbit by using a second robotic arm to counterbalance movements.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Don’t be afraid to suggest budget caps for group plans, because everyone relaxes when guidelines are simple and visible.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 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
  • Once a go-to neutral, gray carpet has long since lost its charm; it's now linked to bland spaces that lack character.
    Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 7 Mar. 2026
  • This one came off bland, with a sauce that bordered on soupy rather than creamy.
    Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But the size of the reserves means Zimbabwe’s foreign-exchange reserves would pay for only one and a half months’ worth of the country’s imports, a thin buffer compared with many peers that typically hold three months or more.
    Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 9 Mar. 2026
  • How to achieve blurred nails Once her prep is complete, Novakovic completes her blurred nails using two thin coats of Manucurist Active Blur.
    Dominic Cadogan, Glamour, 9 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Two participants mentioned that their depression had abated completely.
    Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Across the Eastern Alps, scientists estimate that 30 percent of glaciers could disappear completely by 2030.
    Nidhi Sharma, Popular Science, 13 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flat. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

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