even 1 of 3

Definition of evennext
1
as in exact
being neither more nor less than a certain amount, number, or extent the distance to town is an even mile

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4
as in steady
not varying energy demands do not stay even throughout the day but peak significantly during the afternoon hours

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

even

3 of 3

verb

1
as in to smooth
to make free from breaks, curves, or bumps even the filling before adding the top layer of the cake

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to equate
to make equal in amount, degree, or status the contention that producing more arms will even us with the enemy and therefore make us more secure

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective even contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of even are flat, level, plane, and smooth. While all these words mean "having a surface without bends, curves, or irregularities," 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 can flat be used instead of even?

The words flat and even are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, flat applies to a surface devoid of noticeable curvatures, prominences, or depressions.

the work surface must be flat

Where would level be a reasonable alternative to even?

In some situations, the words level and even are roughly equivalent. However, level applies to a horizontal surface that lies on a line parallel with the horizon.

the vast prairies are nearly level

When could plane be used to replace even?

While in some cases nearly identical to even, 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 is it sensible to use smooth instead of even?

Although the words smooth and even have much in common, 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 even
Adverb
Board game lovers will soon be able to nerd out at a new store and may even get the chance to play a few rounds inside a former bank vault. Jolene Almendarez, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Aug. 2026 On Wowed Out, James sounds unburdened even when singing about the weight of the modern world. Ryan Leas, Pitchfork, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
The Fever’s starting lineup announcements were met by an even mix of boos and cheers. Annie Costabile, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 Mullins takes the news that Joe’s still missing seemingly in stride, but Byron has to remind him that the Russians might want something more than an even trade for Yurimov. Andy Andersen, Vulture, 23 Aug. 2026
Verb
The Brooklynites evened the playoff ledger in the 2024 semifinals. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 30 June 2026 While beloved for their loose powders (which Bieber uses), Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturizer is equally as impressive for its lightweight, buildable coverage that evens and blurs skin without contributing to sweat and oil in warm weather. Essence Wiley, InStyle, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for even
Recent Examples of Synonyms for even
Adverb
  • Horror fans will certainly want to check it out, especially during spooky season.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
  • This certainly won’t be the last discussion the Broward School Board has on Schools of Hope.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026
Adverb
  • It's been quite a disappointing year for home shoppers who waited since 2023 for rates to cool off.
    Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • However, the approach is marred by low throughput, and the process is also quite complex to execute.
    Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • There might be a best practice emerging with general rules to live by, but the exact products and ingredients that trigger or soothe your skin will be highly individualized.
    Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The exact amount that causes harm varies by batch, season and location.
    Prayan Pokharel, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The Daily Garage is a multi-level garage with more than 8,000 spaces.
    Renee Anderson, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • This multi-level tale of the battle against oblivion made for one of the Previews’ highlights.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Modeling two different chamber sizes To understand how the hardware might scale up, engineers modeled two different chamber sizes under identical test conditions.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The deal is almost identical to an earlier version that circulated in Sacramento last week.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 29 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • This reduces the urgency for the ECB to continue raising interest rates in July, with markets now leaning toward the view that the ECB will hold rates steady this month.
    , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Hammack voted to raise rates at the Fed’s last meeting in July, but she was outvoted by fellow members of the Federal Open Market Committee who wanted to keep them steady.
    Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Investors should also not underestimate the smoothing effect of SpaceX's inclusion into major indexes like the Nasdaq 100 and Russell 1000.
    Oliver Renick, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The lightweight formula is packed with vitamin E and niacinamide to plump and smooth your complexion while simultaneously protecting it.
    Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Others on Wall Street, however, see higher levels of risk, equating Meta's case to Big Tobacco in the 1990s when tobacco companies had to pay billions for misleading the public about the safety and potential harms of their products.
    Paulina Likos, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Many may equate Waymo cars with the white fleet originally seen around town.
    Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Even.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/even. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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