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
From studying best practices for growing the plants to connecting with the gardening market on a global level, producing and distributing a new variety is no small feat. Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2025 When traveling with a partner, or with friends, the strategizing can reach a whole other level. Zach Wichter, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
Israel has leveled much of Gaza with its air and ground campaign, vowing to destroy Hamas after its Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. Arkansas Online, 26 Apr. 2025 The delay adds to the frustration and fury of Palisades residents, who have questioned why a large reservoir tucked in a canyon above much of the neighborhood was empty when the Jan. 7 wildfire ripped through block after block, leveling thousands of homes and businesses and killing 12. Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Tottenham were suddenly level late in the first half and never looked back. Jack Pitt-Brooke, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024 If the players are level after 14 classical games, a tie-break will be played on December 13. Eduardo Tansley, The Athletic, 23 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for level
Recent Examples of Synonyms for level
Noun
  • While Americans can't take their eyes off the May-December romance, the former cheerleader is building wealth, and football and media power, gaining a position of authority in Belichick's sphere as current UNC Tar Heels head coach and a cultural icon.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025
  • That’s why many in the real estate space are disappointed in the decision by a Washington regulator to end support for some programs that helped many Americans over that hurdle and into a position to buy homes.
    Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • Twain’s book sales failed to balance the household budget, and the family had to move to Europe to curtail expenses, the beginning of years of exile.
    Mary Ann Gwinn, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
  • The mail service has been struggling to balance its books for years, losing $9.5 billion last year.
    Hansi Lo Wang, NPR, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • The utility is also supporting emerging business models like charging-as-a-service, rideshare electrification, and curbside charging, while engaging with key stakeholders like the Taxi & Limousine Commission and city permitting agencies to smooth the path forward.
    Stacy Noblet, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Glycerin and panthenol help smooth and soften, while plant extracts like prickly pear support healthy-looking texture and shine.
    Malia Griggs, Glamour, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And in recent months Silva has doubled down on work with her counterpart in the finance ministry on a $125 billion fund aimed at protecting tropical forests around the world.
    Justin Worland, Time, 9 May 2025
  • Elsbeth boss aims to get Captain Wagner (Wendell Pierce) out from behind his desk more next season.
    Alamin Yohannes, EW.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • British retail giant Marks & Spencer has been hit by a cyberattack that's downed its online payments for five days, with a ransomware group known as Scattered Spider reportedly linked to the hack.
    Thomas Brewster, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The group has claimed to have downed 19 of the U.S. military's MQ-9 drones, the latest reportedly shot down on Sunday, throughout the campaign.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • His effect on next-door Canada, however, has been to demolish America’s reputation.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The Pennsylvania home where Yankees great Reggie Jackson spent his childhood was demolished Monday.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The evening is expected to be calm and mild with a low of 57.
    Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Even the galaxy’s central supermassive black hole, which is more than 2,000 times more massive than the Milky Way’s central black hole, is fairly calm.
    Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Luminate, the independent data provider to the Billboard charts, completes a thorough review of all data submissions used in compiling the weekly chart rankings.
    Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 4 May 2025
  • Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions bought Ring in 2007 in hopes of restoring the outlet to its former glory, though the purchase revived questions about Ring’s proximity to a major promoter, as its rankings were still used to make fights.
    Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 2 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Level.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/level. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

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