level 1 of 3

Definition of levelnext
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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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level

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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
Iwobi, nephew of former Nigeria international Jay-Jay Okocha, played for England at under-16 and under-17 levels before switching allegiance. Jay Harris, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026 His star rose quickly but Klaiber commanded a level of seriousness, of dedication, that could be exhausting. Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
Newcastle levelled for the second time on 54 minutes. Chris Waugh, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026 People convicted of crimes now enter the state prison at level 2 and must wait at least eight months to move to level 4, which allows for the most privileges. Ashlynd Baecht, The Frontier, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
In its press release announcing the series, Pudu framed the robots as tools for outdoor and industrial environments that remain difficult to automate, including areas with uneven ground, staircases, slopes, and large, multi-level layouts. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 5 Jan. 2026 French retailers have been vocal about the need for a level playing field, arguing that it is skewed by Shein’s business practices. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 31 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for level
Recent Examples of Synonyms for level
Noun
  • Jimenez’s link-up role for Fulham is visible in his passing solar system, which shows the distance of his passes, the most common players receiving them and their average positions when doing so.
    Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Moore was subsequently fired from his position as head football coach, which prosecutors said prompted him to show up at her home.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Fresh herbs and a healthy amount of scallions help to balance all that opulence.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025
  • His choices force Mickey to constantly balance protecting her family with upholding the law.
    Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • As a result, this is not a last-minute, turn-up-and-go destination, but experienced tour operators can help smooth the path.
    Holden Frith, TheWeek, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Check out more skin-smoothing K-beauty favorites below.
    Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Zelenskyy said that Russia was aiming to take advantage of the frigid weather in the capital, which made roads and streets icy.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
  • According to a source, the Cowboys are aiming to get two of the interviews completed Friday.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Report downed power lines to the police.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Knowles downed his and then reached over and drank the two belonging to a girl next to him, who didn’t care much for liquor.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • It is designed to mirror the East Wing addition after the previous building was demolished last year.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
  • In order to do so, the city has to acquire the land and purchase the properties — valued at $22 million total — and demolish them, causing several businesses to close or relocate to make way for the project.
    Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Iranian state television on Sunday morning took a page from demonstrators, having their correspondents appear on streets in several cities to show calm areas with a date stamp shown on screen.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
  • His brands, including Juicy Fruit and Spearmint, promoted gum as a way to calm nerves, curb hunger and stay focused.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • To determine the ranking, Skyscanner looked at destinations with the biggest year-over-year increases in searches to which shows where exactly travelers are most interested in heading to in the upcoming year.
    Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Manning had the last name, the ranking, and was playing for a storied program.
    Jon Conahan, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Level.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/level. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

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