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

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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
The stock is flat in the last 12 months. Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 18 Mar. 2026 School leaders have long maintained that the city flat finances education and does not provide adequate funding. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 18 Mar. 2026
Adverb
But it was still caught flat-footed, paying up to twice the usual cost for romaine before briefly using other greens in its salads. Bloomberg, Daily News, 26 Feb. 2026 Halo Ridge was an opportunity born from several unsuccessful project ideas that fell flat before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to developers. Kendrick Calfee february 14, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
Disco, Occasionally—and a pair of black leather ballet flats. Ana Serrano, Glamour, 10 Mar. 2026 Needs some fresh air and so leaves his flat and climbs the staircase to the top of the building. Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flat
Adjective
  • The rules have since been changed, and only an exact tie in votes now qualifies for two awards.
    Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
  • And that’s the exact advantage Mansfield Summit’s smothering defense created in the Class 5A Division II state championship.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Mann might have argued that there is not only a moral but also an artistic virtue in being outwardly boring and banal.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
  • More so, mines are too boring to compete for budget.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Yet, history repeatedly shows that destroying a regime is far easier than building a stable political infrastructure in its aftermath.
    Ghassan E. El-Eid, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Washington and Seoul should now shift toward a policy of stable coexistence — focusing on deterrence rather than denuclearization, while encouraging normal diplomatic relations with regular engagement.
    Karishma Vaswani, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The rooms Hotel Thaynes has 128 guest rooms, including six king suites, each designed for simple mountain stays with subtle pops of colors.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Such a vote — which is bound to fail but would put senators on the record — differs from using a simple majority to change the Senate rules, a vote a senator could force after an unsuccessful vote to break a filibuster.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 19 Mar. 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
  • From a thriving artisanal craft tradition to a slate of luxury hospitality openings, Mallorca has a lot to offer these days to debunk its onetime reputation as a bland resort outpost.
    Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2026
  • The show also features bravura performances from Mark McGrath and Pat O’Brien skewering their bland TV-presenter personas.
    Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2026
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.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Loose Flashings Flashings are thin materials—typically made from metals like aluminum or copper—that are installed at joints and penetrations on roofs and walls including chimneys, valleys, windows, and vents.
    Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 16 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • If the plan had been to run the Kennedy Center into the ground so completely that shutting it down was the only option, Grenell aced the assignment.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 19 Mar. 2026
  • However, as the one person on set who truly has no idea that this is completely a lark, Anthony is truly the heart of the season.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 19 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flat. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

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