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
That’s better than the prior year, when apparel sales were roughly flat. Melissa Repko, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2026 In championing smaller teams, Dimon is at odds with the ultra-flat management model being adopted by firms like Meta, where CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expecting workers to do more with less in the AI era. Claire Zillman, Fortune, 9 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
  • Styles for men and women are available -- all with Allbirds design philosophy that's clean, modern and perfectly simple -- lightweight, bouncy and wildly comfortable.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • On April 18, that reverence will look like music, laughter and a line of people waiting for something hot out of the fryer — a simple plate carrying stories from across the world, all landing in one place.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 9 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
  • The peas lift the dish out of bland mode and into something colorful and fresh.
    Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Going super matchy-matchy with furniture makes a room look bland and even boring.
    Nomita Vaish-Taylor, The Spruce, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Life360 Ultra Slim Bluetooth Tracker The Tile Slim is a credit-card-thin tracker for your essentials.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Winter can leave lawns patchy, beds overgrown and mulch looking thin.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • In the two years since, Tisza has completely eclipsed Hungary’s old institutional opposition—a fractured gamut ranging from the far right to the left.
    Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2026
  • As well-wishers floated between a recording studio, the walk-in closet, a media room, and guest bedrooms, Tuco, the dog, looked completely unfazed by the dozens of curious guests peeking behind every corner.
    Freya Drohan, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flat. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.

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