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
  • The Rafael Devers-Red Sox saga I’ve been surprised by Devers’ reactions every time he’s been asked to change positions.
    Jim Bowden, New York Times, 14 May 2025
  • Uber’s new features come as the company accelerates its leadership position in the ride-sharing market and seeks to offer more affordable alternatives for users.
    Samantha Subin, CNBC, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • This structure helps borrowers lower their monthly obligations, providing immediate relief for those balancing limited retirement income against rising living expenses.
    Matthew O'Hara, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • The Red Sox may be hoping a similar meeting in Kansas City can smooth things over with their star player.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 10 May 2025
  • Her super long ponytail, which was teased and smoothed with Tangle Teezer’s Ultimate Detangler Chrome, is not-so-rudely interrupted by tiers of bulbous rings of red hair.
    Marci Robin, Allure, 5 May 2025
Verb
  • The Board of Review actively promotes homeowner education and conducts numerous outreach efforts, particularly aimed at underserved communities.
    George Cardenas, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025
  • The upgrades aim to improve safety and efficiency in air travel.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 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
  • WIth Jarren Duran on first with a one-out single in the sixth, Devers demolished Lugo’s first pitch, a 91.8 mph four-seamer.
    Gabrielle Starr, Hartford Courant, 11 May 2025
  • If anything, Gunther should absolutely demolish the beloved McAfee as a way of getting back on the right foot following a surprise submission defeat to Jey Uso at WrestleMania 40.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • Three Palestinians in Gaza told Reuters early on Monday afternoon that there had been calm since midday, with no sound of drones or warplanes.
    James Mackenzie, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • In an Instagram reel, Chenoa, 26, is seen holding her daughter as the baby gazes upwards with a calm expression.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 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
  • The above average ranking mostly reflects her defense.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 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 18 May. 2025.

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