flat 1 of 3

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

Relevance

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

3
4
5
6
7
8

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

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
The situation is fluid, with the president putting a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs for most countries but keeping a 10 percent flat rate for most foreign products for now. Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 20 Apr. 2025 As for audio, the speakers are a disappointment, sounding flat with no bass, and aren’t particularly loud. PC Magazine, 19 Apr. 2025
Adverb
Especially in an environment where there are trends around fewer job postings, so maybe organizations holding headcount flat. Tarun Galagali, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025 After all, there are lots of adaptations of beloved stories that fall flat. Erik Kain, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
Footwear doesn’t typically cause plantar fasciitis, but flats or similarly unsupportive shoes can aggravate an existing case, Dr. Carroll says. Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 4 Apr. 2025 Nearly everything on the site is 40 percent off, including beachy pants, breathable dresses, and trendy flats. Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flat
Adjective
  • Taking the time to determine your exact financial situation and set goals can be an enlightening experience.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • To be sure, the exact details of any trade deal might have unforeseen impacts on the market or the economy, especially with apparently competing priorities among members of the president’s team.
    Jesse Pound, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • No more boring, irrelevant training modules—this is learning at the speed of work.
    Lisa Bodell, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Some of this may happen under cover of darkness, but much of it happens in the open, under cover of arcane technocracy or boring bureaucracy.
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Plus this episode also delivers peak unhinged Lex while he's stranded on an island post-plane crash and suffering from malaria, which leads to a moment that teases his natural killer instincts that he's kept so well hidden from Clark, and the world, so far.
    Christian Holub, EW.com, 16 Oct. 2021
  • But those cars were powered by pushrod engines with conventional cross-plane cranks.
    Rich Ceppos, Car and Driver, 2 Oct. 2022
Adjective
  • Deployments to the region are a demonstration of Australia's resolve to support an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
  • This channels air from the front to underneath, then over the hood and windscreen to keep it stable.
    Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Even something as simple as hanging your own art on the walls or sharing a project online will work.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 May 2025
  • Murder victim's family has been 'counting down the minutes' until South Carolina execution Texas pastor with simple dream killed in his own church.
    James Powel, USA Today, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • This Lulus bag is primarily matte and clean, with just a tinge of silver on the top handle and cutesy bow.
    Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 22 Feb. 2025
  • To get this result, Dempsey recommends the Dior Addict Lip Tint for its transfer-proof, semi-matte finish.
    Loren Savini, Allure, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Not to mention that relying solely on transactional benefits makes loyalty programs feel bland and, quite frankly, interchangeable.
    Zsuzsa Kecsmar, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • And sadly, nasal congestion that occurs in space affects their sense of smell and makes food taste bland up there.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Ibrahim had black hair and looked thin from malnutrition.
    Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flat. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on flat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!