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
The dueling biplanes from the climax exist on this level, too, even if Gabriel is essentially twirling his moustache and tying a dame to train tracks. Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 30 May 2025 In 2022 there was another surge in homers (1.03 per game) to near 1998 levels. Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Verb
Since the end of apartheid, the South African government has made efforts to level the economic imbalance and redistribute land to Black South Africans that had been seized by the former colonial and apartheid governments. Yonat Shimron, NPR, 21 May 2025 But then Birmingham City leveled it to 2-2 just before the end of regulation, and Kang eschewed logic and slid into an ice-cold bath of emotion. Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 17 May 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
  • But the authors found that this advantage when under static compression proved to be a disadvantage when dropping eggs from a height, with the horizontal position emerging as the optimal orientation.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 26 May 2025
  • Delray Beach commissioners and DDA board members may be in a unique position to find and cultivate future board members who represent the aforementioned.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Enterprise Strategy Around Technical Debt Today, organizations need to balance reducing debt and developing new features, with strong data driving this decision-making.
    Shilpa Shastri, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • The Queen of Pentacles reminds you to balance ambition with self-care in order to achieve this homeostasis.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • But Ventura alleged that Combs was not in the mood to smooth things over.
    Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 22 May 2025
  • Team personnel filled the gap and smoothed it over to create a flat surface.
    Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • The majority of its customers are in Britain, but the firm is also aiming to expand overseas.
    Robert Olsen, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • The international co-production aims to inspire marine conservation efforts globally.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Many of the trees downed by the storm are usable, according to Johnny Evans, owner of Evens Lumber Co. in Manchester, Tennessee.
    Asher Redd, FOXNews.com, 29 May 2025
  • Russian air defenses downed 296 Ukrainian drones over 13 Russian regions late Tuesday and early Wednesday, Russia’s Defense Ministry said, in what appeared to be one of the biggest Ukrainian drone assaults of the war.
    Stefanie Dazio, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Facing greater competition and sensing more opportunity, the owners decided to close the hotel at the end of May and demolish the building next year.
    Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 20 May 2025
  • Its current office building in the area would be demolished.
    Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Considered one of the state’s best beach towns, Biloxi is known for its picturesque sand and calm waters that are protected by barrier islands just south of the beach in the Gulf of Mexico.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 23 May 2025
  • But amid all of the tears and dancing and singing, from Freed From Desire on the pitch to Natasha Bedingfield’s Unwritten in the dressing room, stood one proud, calm man.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Here’s a look at the rankings for coolest Kansas City temperatures for that time period in late May: 58.7 degrees in 1924 58.9 degrees in 1992 59.1 degrees in 1947 59.5 degrees in 1968 and 1997 60.4 degrees in 1892 606.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2025
  • The Postal Service released the rankings this week as part of its annual national dog bite awareness campaign, aimed at teaching dog owners to prevent future attacks.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Level.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/level. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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