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
Many yacht interiors are opting for more residential looks, but this 216-footer pushes the trend to a new level. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 10 June 2025 So, that was also fun to play with those levels of calibration. Adam B. Vary, Variety, 9 June 2025
Verb
According to the group, the billboards are a response to the severe budget cuts and layoffs leveled on the National Park Service by the Trump Administration. Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 4 June 2025 Boisson, however, had other ideas, securing the crucial break at 4-4 in the second set before leveling the match by serving out her next game to love. George Ramsay, CNN Money, 2 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
  • The veteran’s track record includes leading creative positions at festivals in Locarno, Rome, Venice and Beijing.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 June 2025
  • To shake things up, positions are listed by level of intrigue.
    Ben Standig, New York Times, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Kate’s also trying to balance loving her daughter, Claire (Sydney Sweeney), who has a substance use disorder, without enabling her.
    Erin Jensen, USA Today, 14 June 2025
  • The Korean company has balanced its promotional offers between the two countries like this for years.
    Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
Verb
  • The researchers of the 2022 study also found that people on the receiving end of indirect attacks also end up responding with silence, politeness or attempts to smooth things over.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • The star of the show is its capsule technology, which kicks in right away to smooth things out.
    Deanna Pai, Glamour, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • This is the second flight of the first-stage booster, which will aim for a recovery landing back at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Landing Zone 1.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025
  • The strikes came a day after the U.N. nuclear watchdog declared that Iran wasn't complying with nuclear nonproliferation agreements aimed at halting the spread of nuclear weapons.
    Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 14 June 2025
Verb
  • The drones were downed both over regions on the border and deeper inside Russia, including central Moscow and Leningrad regions, according to the Defense Ministry.
    Vasilisa Stepanenko, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2025
  • Ella Poulin Point Loma Softball The freshman allowed just a single run while striking out eight as the Pointers downed South Gate Legacy 4-1 in the SoCal Division 3 title game.
    Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • Thirteen years after the nursing home shut down, a developer is proposing to demolish the vacant building and put up 160 apartments.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 18 June 2025
  • Hence today’s strange spectacle: the U.S.-led international order being demolished by the United States itself.
    Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • The protests, which were mostly calm and peaceful, were held in opposition to President Donald Trump's policies and coincided with the controversial parade for the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary in Washington, D.C.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 16 June 2025
  • These calm and gentle activities by the sea have restorative benefits and are increasingly featured as part of wellness retreats.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • The set reappears highest on the Official Albums Streaming ranking, coming in at No. 79.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • In June 2022, Lame dethroned Charli D’Amelio atop the TikTok rankings and has held the spot ever since.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 9 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Level.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/level. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

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