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

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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
Cabs can pull right up outside the hotel, which is on a flat street, and there are no obstacles between the entrance and the elevator. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Apr. 2026 Perched on a flat eight-acre promontory overlooking the Bel-Air Country Club, downtown Los Angeles, and the Pacific Ocean beyond, the Mediterranean Revival megamansion was completed in 2018. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 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
Whether paired with flats or a comfy pair of sneakers, this dress looks polished thanks to the long length and classic A-line silhouette. Madeline Merinuk, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026 While a tour of the warehouse uncovers a few fun items like a giant inflatable pizza slice, a huge arrow sign and a section of jail bars, the bulk of the inventory is less eye-catching – lots of wood flats, walls, doors, windows and other construction materials. Pat Saperstein, Variety, 22 Apr. 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
  • Never gets boring, never feels overplayed.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 1 May 2026
  • Pool, sauna, indoor fireplace, luggage drop-off, backyard With so much history and color around every corner in Marrakesh, why stay somewhere boring?
    Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 29 Apr. 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
  • July 23 – August 22 Clarity today comes from keeping your message simple and grounded.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Brown said Atlanta was taking away the Knicks’ spray game, which made the answer simpler.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 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
  • Tile backsplashes elevate the space, offering visual and textural appeal that keeps it from feeling too bland or one-note.
    Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Potato flautas, a vegetarian dish with fresh avocado, cotija cheese and a guajillo chile salsa were also well executed, but unfortunately bland, with those mashed potatoes in the filling needing more salt.
    Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 28 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
  • Transfer to a plate and set aside to cool completely, then use a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to grind to a fine powder.
    Madhushree Basu Roy, Saveur, 30 Apr. 2026
  • This campy, reality-shifting comedy series questions what would happen if a flaming misogynist woke up in a world that was completely matriarchal and subjugated men based on their gender.
    Madeleine Janz, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flat. Accessed 7 May. 2026.

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