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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
By 2020, the couple was ready to tackle removing the pool, landscaping the slope and creating zones in the flat area that would be tied together through low-water and native plants. — Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026 Independents were up too, and Republicans were essentially flat. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Nov. 2026
Adverb
Of course, those tires were severely flat-spotted and had to be changed, but that’s better than damaging the car’s bodywork or suspension. — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 24 Sep. 2026 My dad had started hunting the open farm fields of western Wisconsin and wanted a powerful and flat-shooting rifle (this was in a time before laser rangefinders). — John B. Snow, Outdoor Life, 24 Sep. 2026
Noun
All Jess knew was that her old pointy-toed flats had raised a blister on her left heel. — CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026 Keep scrolling for more fall-ready shoe trends at Quince, including comfy clogs, slingback flats, retro sneakers, and more. — Melony Forcier, InStyle, 4 Nov. 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
  • Run to snag Close’s exact skin care regimen from $24, plus more products from the brand, below.
    — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The exact arrangement varies from family to family, but some parents pay for the vehicle, while the teen pays for gas and/or insurance.
    — Melissa Willets, Parents, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of exact
Adjective
  • Some have complained that Becerra is an unworthy, boring torchbearer for Latinos — not dynamic enough to meet a moment where many hoped for a firebrand.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Sure, this may sound kind of boring, but the city in the southern Guangdong province has also just been named as the country's leader in wealthy entrepreneurs and is the beating heart of China's AI and tech industry.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of boring
Adjective
  • That means arbitrary Drake covers and Max B homages, smooth ballads on smashing cougars and dirty macking.
    — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Sorrells congratulated Burks on her victory and said his office will work with her to ensure a smooth transition.
    — Emerson Clarridge Updated November 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of smooth
Adjective
  • In a unanimous vote, the 44 senators present voted to remove Peña for misconduct in office, bringing a dramatic end to one of South America's most stable presidencies.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
  • This bike would make a lot more sense if my feet were solid and stable underneath me.
    — Kevin Fanady, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of stable
Adjective
  • Cutforth found a wide-open Riley with a simple swing pass out to the left, giving the junior running back plenty of space to showcase his speed and beat several Rams defensive backs to find the end zone.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Made of large, rigid plastic panels, Hardig’s invention was designed to be weather- and insect-proof, simple to clean and maintain, and lightweight and easy to move.
    — Sarah Kuta, Popular Science, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • The finish is a semi-matte—smooth, satin, and shine-free—that looks looks like velvet on the lips.
    — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of matte
Adjective
  • The few stations left play the same bland pop songs over and over.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Honoring the sacrifices of America’s military men and women is noble, but there are better ways to thank them for their service than a bland tribute like this.
    — Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of bland
Adjective
  • Its thin-film cadmium-telluride technology doesn't rely on the silicon supply chain.
    — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026
  • In past years, people have repurposed the thin plastic from the signs to make school projects, as art canvases, and even model airplanes.
    — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 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 9 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on flat

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about flat

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