flat 1 of 3

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

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

2 of 3

adverb

flat

3 of 3

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

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

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
Choose a location for your fire pit that’s flat, clear from overhanging tree branches, and at least 10 feet from your home and any other structures. Daniel Modlin, Architectural Digest, 5 Mar. 2026 Creams and balms melt into skin without tugging, while newer powder formulas are silky enough to avoid that chalky, flat look. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 5 Mar. 2026
Adverb
The mayor and Tisch have different stances on several public safety issues, including keeping police headcount flat, abolishing the department’s controversial Strategic Response Group and eliminating the NYPD’s gang database. Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 21 Jan. 2026 And when Saleh looked ready to jump to the Jaguars, the Niners were caught flat-footed. Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
There would be 66 one-bedroom units, 33 studios, 12 two-bedroom apartments and five artists’ flats. Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 5 Mar. 2026 Swap your flats for snappy red kitten heels for height and a pop of color, and finish with a statement earring (these knotted studs are just $10 on Amazon). Malia Griggs, Glamour, 3 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flat
Adjective
  • The exact timing is still in flux, the people said.
    Josh Sisco, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Since the electronic structure of nickelates involves several energy bands, determining the exact carrier density is difficult, so the Hall coefficient served as a practical way to map how the system evolves.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Crank up some music and have a dance party during an otherwise boring moment.
    Margery D. Rosen, Parents, 5 Mar. 2026
  • At this point, the UConn-dominance-is-boring crowd has had years to debate during the reigns of several incredible players.
    Chantel Jennings, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • With a high, stable energy supply, the ship could support a larger number of these power-hungry containers, giving operators greater flexibility to handle cargo demand.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Obituaries, property records and data broker profiles can quietly reveal life changes that make someone appear financially stable yet emotionally vulnerable.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Steel-ball tree The new invention includes simple parts, such as a hollow cylinder packed with solid steel balls and a central shaft lined with radial, branch-like rods.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Mar. 2026
  • January 20 – February 18 When purpose meets resources, progress becomes simple.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The long-wearing formula sets to a semi-matte finish that resists oil and humidity, too.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 Nov. 2025
  • The 42 mm case wears well thanks to ergonomically short lugs and restrained proportions, on a semi-matte alligator strap with a flamboyant yellow lining.
    Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 12 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • This one came off bland, with a sauce that bordered on soupy rather than creamy.
    Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Ratmansky, by contrast, earnestly turns this light but pointed farce into a bland American morality tale.
    Jennifer Homans, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But the size of the reserves means Zimbabwe’s foreign-exchange reserves would pay for only one and a half months’ worth of the country’s imports, a thin buffer compared with many peers that typically hold three months or more.
    Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 9 Mar. 2026
  • How to achieve blurred nails Once her prep is complete, Novakovic completes her blurred nails using two thin coats of Manucurist Active Blur.
    Dominic Cadogan, Glamour, 9 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Throw it on for dinner, layer it over your airport outfit, or belt it over a dress for a completely different silhouette.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Just to the left of Trouvelot lies another large basin that appears even older and more heavily eroded, with its rim almost completely worn away.
    Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 6 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flat. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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