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

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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
The voters did not approve any of the new restrictions passed by the Senate and debated in the House that include reducing the number of plants that can be grown in a home from 12 to six, lowering the THC level from extracts from 90% to 70% and banning sharing between adults. J.d. Davidson, The Washington Examiner, 5 July 2025 Is your irritability to the level where your children might notice or your husband might have some comments about the irritability? Essence, 5 July 2025
Verb
In their retreat after the last Ice Age, the glaciers of the upper Midwest scraped and ground down peaks and filled in crags, leveling the landscape most associated with Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. Elaine Glusac, AFAR Media, 26 June 2025 This undertaking involves repairing breaks, fixing instabilities, strengthening sculptures or leveling those that have begun to tilt. Paul Nicolaus, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025
Adjective
Sabalenka broke Keys twice, took control of the second set, and suddenly the scores were level. Issy Ronald, CNN, 25 Jan. 2025 Amica Life Insurance Learn More Cost The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote App available Yes Policy highlights Amica offers four straightforward life insurance options — a level term life insurance, and whole life insurance policies payable for 20 years or until ages 65 or 100. Brian Sloan, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for level
Recent Examples of Synonyms for level
Noun
  • That was partly because Jalen Ramsey for Minkah Fitzpatrick marked the NFL’s first swap in 21 years in which two players changing uniform had each been named an All-Pro at his position.
    Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025
  • Why put yourself in the position of being a foreigner in Trump’s America?
    Stephen Marche, The Atlantic, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • However, policymakers are balancing risks from potentially higher inflation against some chance of a deteriorating labor market.
    Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • Start by identifying what doesn’t work in your current space to guide thoughtful design decisions, balancing open and closed layouts for both function and comfort.
    Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin, Southern Living, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • According to Richie, her new chop was a result of hair damage from keratin treatments, which uses chemicals to smooth frizzy or curly hair.
    Bella Cacciatore, Glamour, 27 June 2025
  • Offering a civic-minded channel devoted to displaying democracy in action helped smooth the path for the pay TV industry’s expansion.
    Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Khamenei’s remarks appeared aimed more at projecting strength than reflecting reality.
    Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025
  • Experts aim for a 95% vaccination rate for measles to guard against outbreaks.
    Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Defending champion in the women’s division, Miki Sudo of Tampa, Fla., won her 11th title, downing 33 dogs, besting a dozen competitors.
    Susan Haigh, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025
  • Whoever downs the most hot dogs and buns in the 10-minute time period is the winner.
    July 4, CBS News, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • Hegseth touted Caine's explanation as proof the bombs fully demolished Fordow.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 27 June 2025
  • The more than 115-year-old Advocate Trinity building on the Southeast Side of Chicago, on 93rd Street, will continue to serve patients until the new hospital is ready, at which point it will be demolished.
    Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • There’s something wonderfully timeless about pushing off from shore in a canoe as the paddles dip quietly through calm water as dragonflies skim by.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
  • What if your government made the calm, rational decision that your country must cease to exist, then set about shutting it down in stages, as the currency became worthless and the population scrambled to emigrate?
    Judy Berman, Time, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Introducing the 2025 Fortune 500, the definitive ranking of the biggest companies in America.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 6 July 2025
  • England currently stands at No. 5 in the FIFA world rankings after reaching as high as No. 2 last year.
    Molly Geary, Sportico.com, 5 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Level.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/level. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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