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
These flat terraces can end up covered with river sediments, and scientists have ways of figuring out how long the layers of sediment have been sitting there. Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 27 May 2025 Unlike modern-day sloths that typically stay in trees, this sloth spent most of its time on the ground, walking on its flat feet and at times standing on its hind legs, the Illinois State Museum reported. Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2025
Adverb
However, to prevent fainting, stay well-hydrated and avoid lying flat on the back after the first trimester.11 Warning Signs Sometimes, fainting happens suddenly, without warning. Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 17 Apr. 2025 All three pieces fold up flat and can be leaned against an outdoor wall or easily carried inside to store at the end of the season. Clint Davis, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
In 2024, Jane Fonda attended the festival wearing a pair of silver Margaux Mary Janes while Margaret Qualley opted for a pair of Chanel sequined ballet flats. Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 24 May 2025 The Fenty Beauty founder completed the outfit with some super-luxe accessories, including a Dior Saddlebag and pink satin Margiela Tabi ballerina flats, which retail for a cool $1,190. Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for flat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flat
Adjective
  • Whoever guesses the exact day and hour each bird takes their first flight wins an honorary certificate.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • The exact path of the storm was not clear, Yack said.
    Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Belief that your institution is exempt from the hard, functional and often boring parts of the job leads to a slow decline.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 22 May 2025
  • As a small-market team, for the majority of my life, Indiana has been looked at as boring or whatever the case may be.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Having stabilized their bank balances and secured pay rises, consumers are now spending in anticipation of a more stable interest rate and price environment, according to the economist.
    Ganesh Rao,Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 23 May 2025
  • The component loadout is good for the price, with 16GB of RAM making multi-tasking smooth and stable.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Trevon Williams, who did not escape from the New Orleans jail, was charged with 10 counts of being a principal to simple escape, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced on May 23.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • As artificial intelligence models grow increasingly sophisticated, their capabilities extend far beyond simple task execution.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 24 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
  • Harrison confidently adopts the take-no-prisoners physicality that makes Zephyr a worthy foe for Tucker, but her line readings are bland, doing nothing to enliven the basic script by Nick Lepard.
    Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 17 May 2025
  • Bonnin serves up the same kind of comfort food Cécile’s parents serve to their truckers, easy to enjoy but ultimately a bit bland.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 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, 25 May 2025
  • And was there ever, complete with Angus Young, knobby knees and thin ankles, scampering, duck-walking and hopping from place to place.
    Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • Jack Klugman portrayed Oscar, and Tony Randall played Felix, and their differing household standards led to lots of comedic clashes as the pair shared a New York City apartment.
    Erin Clack, People.com, 25 May 2025
  • The hope is that the two will settle many of their most serious conflicts ahead of their January 2 trial date. September 27, 2023: Turner is photographed leaving a Tribeca apartment that reportedly belongs to none other than Taylor Swift.
    Glamour, Glamour, 24 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flat. Accessed 31 May. 2025.

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