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
The incident became even more troubling after reports that models had turned up on a dozen other websites. — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026 That not only put him at odds with public opinion, but complicated the lives of fellow Republicans eager to escape a backlash that's making a dire GOP election situation even worse. — Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026
Adjective
The Denver Gazette and ProPublica reported this month that regulatory loopholes in Colorado have allowed contaminated marijuana products that pose health risks to continue being sold to consumers for months, sometimes even years. — Christopher Osher, ProPublica, 25 Sep. 2026 Step 4 Scrape batter into prepared pan and spread into an even layer; smooth surface. — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Sep. 2026
Verb
This face serum brightens and evens skin tone, fights free radicals, supports collagen production and softens the look of fine lines and wrinkles for glowing, healthy-looking skin. — ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026 On Friday, however, as the Dodgers evened the series with a 3-1 win against the Milwaukee Brewers, history didn’t repeat itself. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for even
Recent Examples of Synonyms for even
Adverb
  • Next-level attentiveness from friendly staff certainly helps.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Skydance certainly seems interested in moving quickly to bring back certain franchises.
    — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 2026
Adverb
  • Even when Monét isn’t being quite as playful as on past releases, her personality sparkles brighter than her esteemed guests.
    — Molly Mary O’Brien, Pitchfork, 7 Oct. 2026
  • No other property in Key West captures the true resort feel quite like this.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The singer-songwriter had purchased the exact vintage Gunne Sax maxi dress Meg White wore on the cover of the White Stripes’ 2003 album Elephant, released the same year she was born.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2026
  • An exact cause of death was never determined amid accusations that the boy, who had frequent seizures, had been deprived of crucial medication.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Our guide to the best cameras features a range of pro-level models.
    — Harry Bennett, Space.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Inside, a whopping 10 types of hyaluronic acid—spanning high to ultra-low molecular weights—soak your skin in deep, multi-level hydration.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The world has gone through quite a few changes in the 62 years since those frenzied nights at the height of Beatlemania, but the interior of Forest Hills Stadium looks largely identical.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Two companies with identical revenue can be in completely different positions.
    — Shweta Gummidipudi, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • That means taking bold swings, alongside crowd-pleasers, with a steady willingness to push boundaries.
    — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Rabid bat detections can vary year-to-year, but Los Angeles County has seen a steady upward trend for more than a decade.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The batteries smooth the load and help optimize fuel consumption.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The project is predicated on the theme that the title suggests — love of self, love of others, love for her daughter Hazel — while embracing a swath of styles spanning quiet storm to smooth, finger-snapped R&B.
    — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Why the burning sensation is not a benefit That sharp alcohol sting many of us learned to equate with efficacy is doing no useful work.
    — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Bob O’Brien, Counterpoint’s research director, also equates Mini LED with FALD.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Even.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/even. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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