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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Pegula kept going, trying to use her flat power down the middle of the court. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026 The engine features a flat-plane crank that Mercedes-Benz AMG said reduces rotating mass and improves revving characteristics. — Joel Feder, The Drive, 10 Sep. 2026
Adverb
The Toyota Corolla The Corolla is the global standard for reliability and affordability and the best-selling car in the world—a masterpiece of redundant strengths in materials and design, like a jean jacket with flat-folding rear seats. — Chris Kelly, New Yorker, 28 July 2026 Leandro Erlich, Bâtiment, 2004, a building facade laid flat beneath a mirror suspended at a 45-degree angle, 930 x 806 x 1445 cm. — Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Noun
Its plans have included single-level Traditions communities, bungalow-style homes and flats for denser settings. — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 Part ballerina, part pump, the style combines the gamine energy of your favorite flats with the limb-elongating power of a classic heel. — Christina Holevas, Vogue, 31 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
  • As the names of the nearly 3,000 victims are read aloud, a bell rings at the exact minute each of the four planes crashed and when each of the twin towers fell.
    — Lila Dominus, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026
  • These are compared to a map of magnetic anomalies previously prepared to arrive at the exact location of the sensor, without using a satellite signal.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of exact
Adjective
  • Jasmine[‘s character] has a husband, a daughter, a boring life sometimes.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026
  • These recipes for muffins, snack mix, energy balls and more are proof that eating better doesn’t have to be boring, regardless of age.
    — Anna Luisa Rodriguez, Washington Post, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of boring
Adjective
  • Instead of treating production as a series of separate steps, the model is intended to create a smoother flow of materials, modules and work through the factory.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Rashford’s smooth shimmy, going inside this time, bamboozled his opponent, who had to pull him down, earning a booking.
    — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of smooth
Adjective
  • Nuclear power, where viable, can offer another source of relatively stable generation costs.
    — Nana Menya Ayensu, semafor.com, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Don also taught his son how to be a light for people who need him, how to be level-headed and stable and how to deal with adversity.
    — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of stable
Adjective
  • Underpinning this assessment is the fact that disagreements between the two nations have gradually expanded beyond simple tariff disputes.
    — , CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026
  • In simple terms, cherry juice targets the muscle inflammation caused by exercise, known as oxidative stress.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 8 Sep. 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
  • Instead, people talked generously, in bland motivational patter, about the potential of the scene.
    — Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Swap a bland look for a bold color, switch up the dominant neutral, or lean into a new metallic finish to complement other hardware in the room.
    — Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of bland
Adjective
  • Deposition systems add extremely thin layers of material onto a silicon wafer.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
  • That’s the thin line between moving on to play for an NFC championship and trudging into the heaviest first stage of the offseason.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Sep. 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 14 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on flat

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about flat

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