flat 1 of 3

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

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adverb

flat

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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

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 stock was flat on Friday, but shares are up nearly 40% over the last two weeks and traded near fresh highs on Friday. Samantha Subin, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025 Both the Lincoln Memorial and the new monument featured as 3D models, while the surrounding area was flat. James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Adverb
However, shares of TSMC traded flat on Wednesday after news of its VEU reversal. Dylan Butts, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025 When Guccione spread his arms wide, signaling Tatis had not swung – and had not struck out – Laureano was flat-footed in no-man’s land. Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 23 Aug. 2025
Noun
Simple jersey options from Quince, Old Navy, and Hill House make for versatile workhorses—pair them with a blazer and your favorite sneakers, ballet flats, or boots for everyday wear. Kristina Rutkowski, Glamour, 9 Oct. 2025 Vionic Orinda Skimmers Ballet Flats These ballet flats have a smooth leather upper and soft, rounded toe that can instantly make outfits more elegant. Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flat
Adjective
  • Four internal sensors track the exact temperature inside your food, while an ambient sensor monitors the surrounding heat.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Injecting an element of randomness and uncertainty into the process is reasonable, given that in the real world, measurements are never exact.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Lina had given up pretending to sleep; her parents were boring today.
    Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Others have called out the boring marketing campaign based around flogging variants in order for Swift to finally beat the record for the biggest opening sales week for a female artist in history (currently held by Adele, which she is likely projected to break).
    Bianca Davino, Refinery29, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Researchers from Peking University, the University of Cambridge, and partner institutions highlighted that glass is often used to immobilize contaminants such as radionuclides and heavy metals, locking them safely inside a stable structure.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
  • To rebuild the city, the tunnels will need to be filled to make the ground stable enough for construction.
    Jennifer Griffin , Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Strufe adds that while intelligence agencies or cybercriminals have simpler ways to monitor people – such as accessing CCTV cameras or video doorbells – the widespread presence of wireless networks could eventually form a near-comprehensive surveillance infrastructure.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The simplest way to find influential people in a network is called degree centrality—just count the number of connections for each person.
    Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The long-wearing formula sets to a semi-matte finish that resists oil and humidity, too.
    Sarah Han, Allure, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Gone are the days of the ultra-matte liquid lipstick.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Much like how Hailey and Justin Bieber dress, there is something charming about opposing couple style, and allowing each other to follow their individual tastes and passions, without blending into one bland unit.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Jiang and his colleagues complain over video chat about their bland meals, but the people who produce, prepare and deliver the food remain invisible.
    Yangyang Cheng, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This process transformed the plastic into porous carbon powder, which was then combined with carbon black and a polymer binder to form thin electrode layers.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Dry the nuts in a thin layer, then remove the husks wearing gloves.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • Hecox's efforts to have the case dropped aren't completely over, as SCOTUS must still rule on whether the case is moot.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Tucked within the Turnberry Ocean Club in Sunny Isles, the $30 million duplex sky villa was taken down to the studs and completely customized.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flat. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

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