even 1 of 3

Definition of evennext

even

2 of 3

adjective

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

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
India even made the most of his, a grand slam in a seven-run inning. Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2026 But even with health insurance, the price tag isn’t cheap. ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Unfortunately, too many other bigwigs of broadcasting fail to show similar even-handedness. Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026 Special teams was particularly dire for Los Angeles, giving up two goals on the penalty kill plus an even-strength tally to Kerfoot shortly after its own power play expired midway through the second period. CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
Florida evened the game early in the third period. Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2026 Smith evened his touchdown-to-interception ratio in 2014, throwing 13 in each category, and was relegated to the bench more than once during his second NFL season. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for even
Recent Examples of Synonyms for even
Adverb
  • Gonzales is certainly a name to watch in Charlotte’s quarterback battle, throwing for 6,682 yards, 51 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions spanning three years at Western Carolina.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
  • For families While the friendly staff and spacious rooms are certainly hospitable to families, the overall vibe takes its cues from the neighborhood–chic, cool, and largely for adults.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • No restaurant does classic Roman quite like Piatto Romano, a cluttered trattoria smack dab in the middle of Testaccio.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • At the start of the year, Jacob Elordi sat on the Jimmy Kimmel sofa to promote Wuthering Heights, wearing a pair of off-white Bottega Veneta loafers that were not quite ballet flats, but ascribed to this hybrid style (though many users compared them to ballet flats online).
    Jack Stanley, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The Census Bureau will collect exact population counts during the next official census in 2030, unless a community requests a special census before then.
    Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The exact address is 7628 Corina Drive, but just look on Spur 341 along the Naval Air Station runway 1 mile north of Interstate 30; 682-255-5370.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Each suite, which is nearly identical in size to those in the Stueckle Sky Center, has large sliding doors leading out to the field, as well as windows that look back into the lounge.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 28 Mar. 2026
  • One resistance gene was 100% identical, suggesting a relatively recent swap.
    Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Due to increasing activity from the Anthelion sporadic meteor source (a broad region in the night sky that produces a steady, low-level stream of meteors year round) and maybe improved reporting, this amount reflects both a high total count and frequency.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Driving at a steady 55 mph can increase fuel economy by 6 to 8 mpg, the publication said in a report that offered tips to get the most out of a tank of gas.
    Matthew Daly, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Scrape batter into prepared baking sheet and, using a medium offset spatula, gently spread to edges, smoothing surface.
    Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026
  • This collagen cream can help even out dark spots and smooth your skin for a healthy, luminous complexion.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In the latter category was presenter Jimmy Kimmel, who, in an act of exaggeration that would be Swiftian if intentional, equated the free speech policies of North Korea with those of, um, CBS.
    Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026
  • For years, the FedRAMP process has been equated with actual security, Sager said.
    Renee Dudley, ProPublica, 18 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • The assemblies aren’t the end of the nomination process — indeed, some of the highest-profile names in Democratic politics are foregoing it.
    Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026
  • The mix of calm bordeaux and vibrant green makes for interesting styling indeed.
    Jana Ackermann, Glamour, 28 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Even.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/even. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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