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

Examples of level in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The flight operates on an Airbus A330-200 which features four different levels of service: Delta One, Premium Select, Comfort Plus, and Main Cabin. Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 1 Nov. 2024 According to an American Psychological Association survey released last week, 77 percent of US adults feel some level of stress over the future of the country. Angela Watercutter, WIRED, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
Just a few months into my time there, a rogue tornado tore through the shopping center and leveled the restaurant. R29 Team, refinery29.com, 14 Oct. 2024 These measures have proved more harmful to the countries leveling the sanctions than to Russia itself. Jason Ma, Fortune Europe, 14 Oct. 2024
Adjective
The paved trail passes through Dublin pretty much in a straight line and is absolutely level, running along the 1890s Southern Pacific Railroad right-of-way. John Metcalfe, The Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2024 But Take Note Rather than having a level indicator on the base, there is just a blue line on the seat itself to tell when the seat is level, which didn’t really please our tester. Jessica Booth, Parents, 14 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for level 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for level
Noun
  • When the humeral head is back in place, these structures can heal in a loose or stretched position that may increase the risk of future episodes of subluxation or dislocation.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2024
  • Despite his efforts, he was later dismissed from his position.
    PhotoVogue, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Trying to balance your work and life can add extra stress to an already-busy schedule, according to Jackie Bowie, a managing partner at financial risk management firm Chatham Financial.
    Natalie Wu,Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 4 Nov. 2024
  • The Duchy of Cornwall, associated with Prince William, emphasized its commitment to balancing commercial interests with environmental restoration and positive social impact.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • It’s given my skin the equivalent of a Paris filter effect, smoothing it out and brightening it in all the right places.
    Claire Sullivan, WWD, 24 Oct. 2024
  • Emollients aim to smooth and lubricate the outermost layer of our epidermis and include ingredients such as ceramides and silicones.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • The Development Forum aims to provide artists with the tools to navigate the art market, which has long sought out the work of rising artists, especially from Africa in recent years.
    Tobe Otuogbodor, ARTnews.com, 4 Nov. 2024
  • And that’s exactly what the Cardinals were aiming for — a shot at three points.
    Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The storm flooded low-lying areas, ripped out roads, toppled trees, downed power lines and water pipes, and cut off entire towns.
    Robert B. Tucker, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024
  • Footage posted on Russian social media showed a large explosion in the area and small drones being downed by air defence systems.
    AFP, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • In addition to wrecking many businesses and private homes, the flooding in Chimney Rock tore up Main Street, creating a deep and jagged gash in the asphalt and completely demolishing the walkways along the riverfront.
    Marshall Crook, NBC News, 23 Oct. 2024
  • The tornado moved onto the Brighton Seminole Indian Reservation, damaging some traditional chickee huts and demolishing the spectator and dugout areas at a sports complex.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 19 Oct. 2024
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
  • My dad is this like calm, sweet, empathetic man and Happy is a little bit high strung.
    Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 26 Oct. 2024
  • But if in one moment all was calm, in the next everything changed.
    Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near level

Cite this Entry

“Level.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/level. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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