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

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

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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
Her career demonstrates extraordinary range, an exceptional level of acting and at the same time, a very special connection with audiences. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026 But the Braves' offense remains dangerous thanks to star-level performance and depth with Olson, Riley, Albies, Acuna, Harris, and Drake Baldwin. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
My father levelled the little gun at the clerk and asked for money. — Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 2026 Topdressing is applied to improve or change the quality of the soil, or to level the lawn when low spots are present. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2026
Adjective
The four modern luxury treehouse-style cabins feature multi-level decks, full kitchens, onsite kayak rentals, wi-fi, and private fire pits. — Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 20 Sep. 2026 The latter price is lower than its predecessor ($179), while both models add Pro-level features. — Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for level
Recent Examples of Synonyms for level
Noun
  • Before Torres was appointed to the administrative position, his salary as a police officer was $135,000.
    — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The New York representative has been a big name in the Democratic Socialists of America as socialists establish a political foothold in positions across the country.
    — Mackenzie Chase, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • India is trying to balance its ties with Russia against its growing partnerships with the United States and other Western powers.
    — HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The Premium Back Relief Cushion balances firm posture support with long-lasting comfort, while the XL Seat Cushion offers wider support.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 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
  • The second, Stillpoint, aims to release and restore calm with a deep oil-free massage, along with rocking compressions, assisted stretches, and Kansa wand techniques.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2026
  • And the most recent announcement that’s set to be released in the first quarter of 2027 is the Shockwave, an electric enduro aimed squarely at riders who'd rather spend their weekends throwing a bike at dirt than commuting through traffic.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The Russian Defense Ministry said Friday that its air defenses overnight downed 646 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions, occupied Crimea, the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.
    — HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Punter Alec Clark has downed three of his five punts inside the 20 and hasn’t punted more than twice in a game this year.
    — PJ Green September 29, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • And then the way the government dealt with them, which was to just demolish them, is also kind of prescient.
    — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026
  • National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir attended the demolition and said Israeli authorities had demolished more than 10,000 structures built without permits over the past year and a half.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 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
  • Alex just keeps calm, and that’s what Pascal does, more or less, throughout the movie.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The captain's uncle, Kishorbhai Machchhar, told ABC News on Friday that the family still cannot believe how Smit managed to stay so calm and focused.
    — Charlotte Gardiner, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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