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

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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

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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
Before curing, use the flat end of the wooden stick to push everything into place and ensure everything is secured. Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 30 June 2025 Style it with all-white accessories and gold hoops for a sunset date night on the coast, or pair it with flat sandals for a daytime museum visit. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2025
Adverb
But in the hands of an average, workaday boss, the same behavior tends to fall flat. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 6 June 2025 Switzerland's currency, which was trading flat earlier on Wednesday, rallied after ADP data showed hiring slowed to a two-year low in America's private sector last month. Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 4 June 2025
Noun
The company’s Starbase launch facility in South Texas abuts the Boca Chica Wildlife Refuge, an expanse of tidal flats, mangroves and sand dunes that is home to rare and endangered species including ocelots, sea turtles and northern aplomado falcons. Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025 Once a tidal flat, this region would have been periodically flooded millions of years ago. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for flat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flat
Adjective
  • Modelled directly after the team’s 2025 season design, the helmet is finished in Coinbase’s signature electric blue to present an exact replica of the real thing, just dramatically oversized.
    Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • While the exact reasons behind the latest moves were unclear, the wild swings in the Taiwan dollar over the past two trading sessions come as domestic firms — including life insurers and exporters — prepare to release their half-year financial reports.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • This is worlds away from that boring deli chicken sandwich, while still being easy enough to whip up on the busiest of days.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
  • The contract’s scope of work includes the single bore tunnel, station entrances and exits, the excavation of underground stations and the procurement of a tunnel boring machine.
    Grace Hase, Mercury News, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • In 1978 Lukas dissolved his quarter-horse stable and immersed himself in thoroughbred racing at Santa Anita.
    Neil Milbert, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025
  • One of the victims was in critical condition and the other was in stable condition, McCarty said.
    Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • The simplest ideas in mathematics can also be the most perplexing.
    Leila Sloman, Wired News, 29 June 2025
  • Start your day like a pro with simple morning cleaning habits that keep your home feeling fresh, organized, and under control.
    Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 28 June 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
  • Listen to one after another, though, and the bland muddiness exposes them as a machine creation.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 June 2025
  • Recent coverage on Forbes warns that overuse of AI in newsrooms could lead to bland, unoriginal content that erodes trust.
    Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • In a thin free agent class that’s getting thinner by the minute, there are Ehlers and Boeser (Mitch Marner is expected to go to Vegas, though Sportnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the Leafs are rattling their sabers about potential tampering by the Golden Knights) at the top.
    Stephen Conroy, Hartford Courant, 30 June 2025
  • When done correctly, gen AI allows agents to focus on complex, high-value conversations, while also training and guiding AI to reflect the company’s voice, tone and brand values, instead of being stretched thin across repetitive tasks.
    Priya Vijayarajendran, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • The plan is expected to create approximately 9,700 new apartments, of which 2,900 will be affordable.
    Shimon Shkury, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Through the park fence, across Essex Street, and up on the sixth floor of a prewar building hung their small, dim apartment.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flat. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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