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

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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
However, the stock is flat over the past 12 months. Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2026 Spend an hour traipsing through flat grass paths on the farm with the owner and goat herder. Susan McDonald, The Providence Journal, 26 Mar. 2026
Adverb
We’ll never be caught flat-footed. Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 2 Mar. 2026 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
Noun
My own garage has solar panels that provide enough electricity for my Edgewater two-flat, with enough to spare for the winter months. Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026 High-vamp black ballet flats from the Row, a ball cap, and an oversized suede tote are natural add-ons, while the pop of red beaded necklace totally caught us by surprise. Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flat
Adjective
  • The Census Bureau will collect exact population counts during the next official census in 2030, unless a community requests a special census before then.
    Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The exact address is 7628 Corina Drive, but just look on Spur 341 along the Naval Air Station runway 1 mile north of Interstate 30; 682-255-5370.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Simply, Florida’s Pro Day was as boring as ever.
    Noah White, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Given a list, the sorts of things Americans are comfortable with AI doing tend to be impersonal or even boring tasks, as well as those that less directly impact them, like proofreading or searching online.
    Anthony Salvanto, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Officials said Kuwait’s electricity and water systems remain stable and contingency plans had been activated to ensure continued supply, according to the statement.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Officials said injury statuses ranged from stable to critical.
    Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In Catanzaro Lido, a beach town along the Ionian coast, meals tend to be simple and communal.
    Jenna Curcio, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026
  • In her first interview since becoming head of content at Disney+ EMEA, Angela Jain has said the message to writers and producers is simple, the streamer is going to greenlight more originals from the region and will be backing that effort with extra funds for local fare.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 25 Mar. 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
  • From a thriving artisanal craft tradition to a slate of luxury hospitality openings, Mallorca has a lot to offer these days to debunk its onetime reputation as a bland resort outpost.
    Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2026
  • The show also features bravura performances from Mark McGrath and Pat O’Brien skewering their bland TV-presenter personas.
    Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 18 Mar. 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
  • Both view the Lebanese government as still completely incapable of disarming Hezbollah, though both were shocked at the new assertiveness of Beirut as seen by Tuesday’s banishment of Iran’s ambassador.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 26 Mar. 2026
  • These are low-density regions, not regions completely devoid of all types of matter.
    Big Think, Big Think, 26 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flat. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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