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

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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

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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
But in fact, any level of services whatsoever could be the basis for the United States imposing sanctions against the company for providing services to Iran. Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026 Four bedrooms can be found on the third level, including two that share a Jack-and-Jill bath, one that currently serves as a sitting room, and a primary suite that comes with a private patio. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
Brian White levelled the score at 1-1 in the 49th with his 15th MLS goal this season. ABC News, 13 Sep. 2026 The notable instance came immediately after Brugge levelled at 1-1. Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Adjective
The old six-story training tower behind the station houses two unique multi-level suites, the topmost filling the four upper stories and offering panoramic views of the downtown Vista district. Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2026 Women have earned opportunities to compete on a level playing field against other women. Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for level
Recent Examples of Synonyms for level
Noun
  • Whether Arnault can leverage his track record across multiple international brands to help reverse Nike's fortunes while cementing his position within the Arnault family's succession landscape remains a story that will unfold soon.
    , CNBC, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Kyl rose to a leadership position during his last full term in the Senate, when his Republican colleagues selected him as minority whip.
    JACQUES BILLEAUD THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The cushiony formula balances long-lasting wear with glycerin that draws moisture into the skin and panthenol to soothe dryness and supports the moisture barrier.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 Sep. 2026
  • McKinnon said the delay reflects the difficulty of balancing drone operators’ needs for less restrictive regulation with those of traditional aviation, particularly around manned aircraft giving right-of-way to drones.
    Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Saltair’s refill pods lean on BHAs and zinc ricinoleate to tackle odor while smoothing skin — a skincare-crossover pitch that reframes deodorant as part of a beauty routine rather than a utilitarian purchase.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Ahead, our favorite formulas help smooth things over—whatever’s behind the bumps.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Preckwinkle aimed the loans at districts with limited borrowing capacity or low cash reserves, offering interest-free money with a simpler application.
    A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The technology is aimed at both electric mobility and stationary energy storage.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The Russian Defense Ministry said Monday that its air defenses overnight downed 244 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions and the waters of the Black Sea.
    Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Punter Brunno Reus had five of his seven punts downed inside the 20, including four punts of 50-plus yards.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 20 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • In New York City, light-up drones recreated the outlines of the twin towers that used to be a fixture in the skyline before they were demolished in the attacks.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 11 Sep. 2026
  • One drone operator talks about going out for lunch or hanging out with their friends in Tel Aviv after demolishing people’s houses in Gaza from miles away.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The shift of money does not eliminate foreign military financing for Tunisia, Iraq, North Macedonia or Slovakia, although the exact amount remaining for those countries was not immediately clear.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The exact amount of the wide-ranging deal between ESPN and Peyton Manning and his Omaha Productions is not known, but it is believed to be in the same neighborhood as Brady and McAfee.
    Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Patience is the ability to remain calm and accept delays, difficulties, or annoyance without complaining or becoming angry.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Rooms The 275 rooms here are a calm and cool retreat from Miami’s loud and frenetic downtown.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Level.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/level. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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