level 1 of 3

as in position
the placement of someone or something in relation to others in a vertical arrangement a young karate student ready to rise to the next level in his chosen art of self-defense

Synonyms & Similar Words

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level

2 of 3

verb

1
as in to balance
to make equal in amount, degree, or status we'll give both teams the same equipment so as to level the playing field

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to smooth
to make free from breaks, curves, or bumps the construction workers leveled the ground before laying a foundation for the new house

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to aim
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal the marksman leveled his gun at the target and fired

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
5

level

3 of 3

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective level contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of level are even, flat, plane, and smooth. While all these words mean "having a surface without bends, curves, or irregularities," level applies to a horizontal surface that lies on a line parallel with the horizon.

the vast prairies are nearly level

When is it sensible to use even instead of level?

In some situations, the words even and level 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 might flat be a better fit than level?

The meanings of flat and level largely overlap; however, flat applies to a surface devoid of noticeable curvatures, prominences, or depressions.

the work surface must be flat

When is plane a more appropriate choice than level?

The words plane and level are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 could smooth be used to replace level?

The synonyms smooth and level are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 level
Noun
Earlier this year, the Washington Post reported that computer-programmer employment dropped to its lowest level since the 1980s—one profession that has been hit hardest over the past few years. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025 Residents near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, faced potentially harmful levels of air pollution on Friday morning, a live map from AirNow showed. Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
Twin Cities film fans can soon level-up their watching experience when the state’s largest IMAX screen opens in Dakota County. Mars King, Twin Cities, 15 Oct. 2025 Balogun scored in his second consecutive match to level the match in the final 20 minutes after Ecuador struck in the first half. Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Ahead of Amazon's October Prime Day, a multi-level cat tree is on sale for 23% off. Christine Persaud, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025 The College of Business and Economics will soon be the home of Landmark Hall, a 20,000-square-foot tri-level building featuring a television studio, auditorium, executive boardroom and training room. Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for level
Recent Examples of Synonyms for level
Noun
  • But BoxGroup’s lane has long been to join a dizzying number of early-stage rounds, allowing the firm to take smaller positions while working hand-in-hand with other firms.
    Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
  • His ousting from the party was announced alongside that of fellow CMC member Miao Hua, who was removed from his military position in June, as well as seven other officers.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • However, matcha’s high levels of L-theanine, a calming amino acid, help balance caffeine’s stimulating effects.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 19 Oct. 2025
  • As America attempts to reclaim its pride by whitewashing its unflattering histories, Springsteen’s struggle to balance light and dark on these pointedly American recordings is tremendously poignant.
    Will Hermes, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Bra-Ilelujah uses hosiery on the bar wing, because Blakely sought a nude, flat and smoothing look on the wearer’s back, Hanson said.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Spoon mixture into an ungreased 10-inch cast-iron skillet, and smooth into an even layer.
    Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Last month, the Cabinet approved a package of new subsidies aimed at boosting births, including a one-time cash allowance of NT$30,000 (about US$3,320) per newborn.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
  • To this end, the firm leveraged its own talents and art departments for the campaigns and aims to further boost the appeal of the products by encouraging their use in models’ off-duty moments.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Then there's the mental hurdle of downing a glass of brown or yellow liquid.
    Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The junior running back rushed for a pair of touchdowns and caught another as his team recovered a fumble and recorded three interceptions en route to downing crosstown rival East Ridge 23-15 at TCO Stadium in Eagan.
    Frank Rajkowski, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • And often, that was exactly how forgeries were eventually demolished.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 16 Oct. 2025
  • On land, the current one- and two-story buildings will be demolished and replaced with 15,682 square feet of modern marina facilities spread across two, two-story buildings.
    Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • De Gea developed it to a degree but was more of an instinctive shot stopper than someone who would marshal the back line and spread calm to those in front of him.
    Mark Critchley, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Benkired, who reportedly appeared mostly calm in court Friday as prosecutors laid out the case against her, could face up to life in prison if convicted, Le Parisien reported.
    Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Charlotte entered the day with a -7 turnover margin, ranking 129th out of 134 FBS schools.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The ranking leans heavily on the chances for a coach to succeed there.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Level.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/level. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

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