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
Cabanis said overall Chinese demand was flat, with spending shifting from domestic to overseas shopping and increasingly clustered around big events. — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 31 July 2026 Enter, the flat-back Teleties clip found in this month’s box. — Allure Editors, Allure, 31 July 2026
Adverb
France caught the All Blacks flat-footed with Penaud's opening try. — ABC News, 4 July 2026 It was modeled after canal packet boats of yore, which were squat and flat-roofed to fit beneath the low railroad bridges that crossed the canal. — Betsy Andrews, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
Noun
Wear them now with ribbed tank tops, dressy button-ups, crochet blouses, and flip-flop heels, then carry them into fall with cozy flannels, cropped sweaters, clogs, and ballet flats. — Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026 During a 7-on-7 period Friday, Patrick Mahomes threw to Kenneth Walker in the flat. — Kansas City Star, 31 July 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
  • The highway span was the exact ground covered last year by Sunshine Perez, who had made two trips to liquor stores to buy Patron tequila before driving the wrong way onto a Turnpike exit ramp.
    — Brittany Wallman, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • As of Wednesday, July 29, a spokesperson for the streaming service didn’t have an exact release date to share with The News & Observer via email.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
Definition of exact
Adjective
  • Christian flat out tells Bryan to do anything else because the gown is so boring, but Bryan could not be more disinterested in his advice.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 31 July 2026
  • Just a year ago, $100,000 was considered a relatively 'boring’ price for bitcoin.
    — Billy Bambrough, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of boring
Adjective
  • To make the rest of the travel process as smooth as possible, book a room at one of the spectacular dog-friendly oceanfront hotels below.
    — Rebecca R. Norris, USA Today, 29 July 2026
  • At other times, that anxiety is rooted in the fear of the unknown and the parent’s desire to make the path smooth and straight for their kid.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 29 July 2026
Definition of smooth
Adjective
  • Irish boxer Lee Reeves is in a critical but stable condition in hospital after his defeat via knockout in Dublin on Saturday, a Queensberry Promotions spokesperson has confirmed.
    — Chris McKenna, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The woman was transported to the hospital and remains in stable condition.
    — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of stable
Adjective
  • One solution would be a relatively simple expansion of the southern end of the Stadium of Light to mirror the height of the west and north.
    — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Food safety experts say a few simple habits can make a difference.
    — Olivia LaBorde, AJC.com, 21 July 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
  • This current trend is a direct result of the design industry’s desire to banish the bland, boring, and non-committal interior trends of yesteryear in favor of mosaics that feel anything but.
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 July 2026
  • Meanwhile taco seasoning, the aforementioned green chiles, and pimientos protect against the dish being bland.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 24 July 2026
Definition of bland
Adjective
  • The Orioles’ Taylor Ward has been at or near the top of the shopping list for every team seeking a righty-hitting outfield bat since the market for players like him may never have been thinner.
    — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Improperly Drying Flammable Items Drying clothes stained with any type of chemical stains such as gasoline, paint thinner, or acetone is a hazard.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 2 Aug. 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 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on flat

Nglish: Translation of flat for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about flat

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