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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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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
Lie flat on your back and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 7 May 2026 Germany’s Dax is still down more than 1% since the war began and is roughly flat on the year. John Towfighi, CNN Money, 7 May 2026
Adverb
Fearing multiple shooters and working to prevent their escape, officers shot flat the tires of cars, trucks and motorcycles in the area and rolled the shooter’s truck down a ravine. Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026 The materials are first deposited flat onto the chip. IEEE Spectrum, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
Stock up on sandals, flats, and sneakers while certain pairs are discounted by 25%. Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 4 May 2026 Dlooda Bootcut Trousers Available in eight colors, including black, brown, and berry, in sizes XS-2X, the popular pants can easily be worn with a blouse, a blazer, and some flats or with your favorite T-shirt and sneakers. Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for flat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flat
Adjective
  • Hundreds more homes, apartments to come Later phases of development would include more housing beyond the Westveil subdivision, though exact numbers of units are not clear.
    Rose Evans May 3, Idaho Statesman, 3 May 2026
  • The Marion County Coroner’s Office will determine the exact manner and cause of death.
    Francie Ebert, NBC news, 3 May 2026
Adjective
  • An exhausting, preachy, frankly, boring and outdated version of his former self.
    Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
  • Let’s be honest here, and no disrespect to venerable family board games, but Monopoly is kind of boring.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • Rudolph Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, is in critical but stable condition at a hospital, his spokesman said Sunday.
    Michael R. Sisak, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
  • Rob Carr / Getty Images Before starting her stable, DeVaux climbed her way up the ranks, beginning as a stable worker for the late Chuck Simon before becoming an assistant trainer for Chad Brown.
    Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 3 May 2026
Adjective
  • These are products have a short, simple ingredient lists that are easy to understand for regular consumers and are free from additives.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 7 May 2026
  • Sometimes this involved simple in-person observations.
    E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 7 May 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
  • Bad cotija is hopelessly bland, rubbery and ridiculously salty.
    Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 4 May 2026
  • Aside from some bland staging, the principals aren’t the problem.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • There have also been suggestions that a dwarf planet called Makemake, which is slightly smaller than Pluto, could have a very thin atmosphere, though some scientists are skeptical.
    CBS News, CBS News, 4 May 2026
  • Astronomers have detected a thin atmosphere around a tiny celestial body in the outer solar system for the first time — an object previously thought to be too small to support the presence of an atmosphere.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 4 May 2026
Adverb
  • Take the time to completely empty your golf bag.
    Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 7 May 2026
  • The parliament of Wales, known as the Senedd, is also completely up for grabs.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 7 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flat. Accessed 9 May. 2026.

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