level 1 of 3

noun

ˈle-vəl How to pronounce level (audio)
Definition of levelnext
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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to down
to strike (someone) so forcefully as to cause a fall the boxer leveled his opponent with a single blow

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5
as in to demolish
to destroy (as a building) completely by knocking down or breaking to pieces an old warehouse that was leveled to build a parking lot

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

level

3 of 3

adjective

1
as in plane
having a surface without bends, breaks, or irregularities looked for a level place to land the plane

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in calm
free from emotional or mental agitation in a much more level mood now that the worst is over

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
And there was already precedent at the state level, in Massachusetts, of courts allowing this kind of claim to proceed. — Carolina Rossini, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 Scientists are still piecing together information from satellite and ground-level data to figure out exactly what happened to cause the flood, which killed at least 353 people and left more than 1,300 missing, including foreigners and pilgrims. — Sibi Arasu, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
Fortunately, leveling a stove is often a simple fix that doesn’t require a repair technician. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2026 The bar was damaged in a fire in 1976, and leveled by an explosion a year later. — Jack Harvel august 17, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2026
Adjective
Women have earned opportunities to compete on a level playing field against other women. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Designed by the Swiss practice Bayrou Architects, this 5,000-square-foot multi-level chalet sits on a sunny half-acre lot in the always spectacular Alps. — Catherine Dunwoody, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for level
Recent Examples of Synonyms for level
  1. position
  2. balance
  3. smooth
  4. aim
  5. down
  6. demolish
  7. exact
  8. calm
Noun
  • There isn’t room on a roster to list all the positions where North Chicago senior Amari Earl could play in a single game.
    — Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The move puts Eli Lilly among Citadel’s largest individual stock positions and comes after the pharma giant’s shares suffered a sharp decline earlier this year before rebounding.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of position
Verb
  • Since fruit contains a lot of moisture, adding dry, shredded leaves on top helps balance moisture levels.
    — SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The company supplies the wiring, wire harnesses, power-balancing units, and delivery circuitry required to collect and route the electrical current.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of balance
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
Definition of smooth
Verb
  • Beijing aims to transform the region into a high-altitude green energy powerhouse, with projects that include a $168 billion megadam, currently under construction, that could stretch the limits of what human engineering has achieved.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
  • This shift aims to secure more predictable, recurring revenue and higher user retention, mitigating the volatility of hardware sales.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of aim
Verb
  • Lake Howell forced a Seminole punt, which was downed inside the two yard linej.
    — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • There's a lot of seaweed and some downed trees thanks to Hurricane Maria, but the terrain is pretty navigable.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of down
Verb
  • Later demolished, the home sat directly across the street from a far more modern residence by a designer with ties to the Tao restaurant chain and the Venetian Las Vegas.
    — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 25 Aug. 2026
  • That then will allow the existing Willowcreek Middle School to be demolished.
    — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of demolish
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
Definition of exact
Adjective
  • Mood stabilizers influence brain receptors that release and maintain neurotransmitters, calm overactive circuits and strengthen cellular connections over time.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
  • As a priest, Lamb held a calm, patient and somewhat self-deprecating sense of perspective.
    — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of calm

Phrases Containing level

Browse Nearby Words

levees
level
leveled
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on level

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about level

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