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
In addition to financial support to address human-wolf conflict, the researchers say wolf recovery in Europe has been made possible by substantial legal protections at the country level and at the E.U. level. Olivia Ferrari, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025 Human observers had a consensus while AI models were all over the place Though previous research has shown that AI models can accurately describe what’s happening in still images at a level comparable to humans, this study aimed to see whether that still holds true for video. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior leveled the score on the night just minutes after the Arsenal opener. Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 2025 Martin: One of the criticisms that the Trump administration has leveled at Harvard is that there has not been adequate viewpoint diversity, meaning that there are not enough conservative viewpoints represented on the faculty. Destinee Adams, NPR, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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 Standout benefits: Applicants in good health can skip the medical exam for a level term life insurance policy with Amica. Liz Knueven, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2024 See All Example Sentences for level
Recent Examples of Synonyms for level
Noun
  • Those details shared in the second chat included the flight schedules for the F/A-18 Hornets involved in the pending attack on Houthi positions, according to the officials.
    Luis Martinez, ABC News, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The government says that the judge should order Google to stop making third-party payments to phone makers like Apple that ensure its default search position.
    John Ruwitch, NPR, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Managing brand deals, taxes, and public image is a big responsibility for teenagers still balancing school and life.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Governor Gavin Newsom, who has historically sought to balance tech regulation with business retention, will face a pivotal decision if the bill reaches his desk.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 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
  • After several years of blockbuster growth in the remodeling and design business, the White House’s erratic rollout of tariffs aimed at reshaping global trade is already taking a toll.
    Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Instead of jail time, Ballot Measure 110 aimed to expand addiction treatment services in a state that ranked last in such offerings nationwide, through hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue redirected from a cannabis tax and savings resulting from reductions in arrests and incarceration.
    Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Pakistan responded by aerial raids, downed an Indian military aircraft and captured an Indian pilot, who was later released.
    Time, Time, 25 Apr. 2025
  • One tree was cut in the 500 block of North Broadway; three were sawed near 1550 W. 8th St.; five were downed near 350 S. Grand Ave.; three were cut near 717 W. Temple St.; and one was taken out near 300 Treadwell St., according to LAPD officials.
    Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 24 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
  • Plus this episode also delivers peak unhinged Lex while he's stranded on an island post-plane crash and suffering from malaria, which leads to a moment that teases his natural killer instincts that he's kept so well hidden from Clark, and the world, so far.
    Christian Holub, EW.com, 16 Oct. 2021
  • But those cars were powered by pushrod engines with conventional cross-plane cranks.
    Rich Ceppos, Car and Driver, 2 Oct. 2022
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

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Cite this Entry

“Level.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/level. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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