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

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 video is also raising questions about the ethics of using AI to realistically depict political foes without permission in campaign ads, even if the ads are not directly commissioned by the candidate. James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 6 May 2026 Johnson’s latest Springfield visit comes as his office’s lobbying efforts under the dome have been criticized by even legislative Democrats as ineffective. Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
Adjective
Transfer dough to prepared pan and, using an offset spatula lightly coated with nonstick spray, spread into an even layer, working all the way to the edges. Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2026 Planting a clover lawn is as easy as sprinkling topsoil over an even distribution of seeds, followed by watering. Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
Dani Weatherholt drilled a shot past Casey Murphy in the 53rd minute and then Ashley Sanchez evened up the game in the 76th minute. Boston Herald Staff, Boston Herald, 30 Apr. 2026 The Angels evened the score with a run in the fourth. Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for even
Recent Examples of Synonyms for even
Adverb
  • Sadly, the project is almost certainly a fantasy.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
  • Shareef Elaydi certainly falls into that top-end category.
    Glenn Reeves, Mercury News, 10 May 2026
Adverb
  • According to the brothers, the home — despite appearing quite elegant, with its portico, white balustrade, five bedrooms, carved fireplaces and a music room — has long been in decay and would cost millions of dollars to restore.
    Eric Adler May 12, Kansas City Star, 12 May 2026
  • Church-goers who aren't quite ready for lunch food will love this delicious brunch dish.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • If Jennifer Lawrence inspired you to get your own Mary Jane sneakers, head to Salomon to score her exact pair.
    Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 10 May 2026
  • Kleinman said the exact number of copperheads in Connecticut is not known, as population counts are difficult to track, but that their population is declining due to habitat loss and development.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • Torres launched a shot in nearly the identical spot as Copeland for a two-run homer and Hagerty was on its way to Fort Myers.
    Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2026
  • An identical memorial site was built in Yuba City in 2011 for the 35th anniversary.
    Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • Stay steady rather than reacting too quickly.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026
  • The traditional approach to higher inflation and a steady labor market normally would argue against cuts.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • For now, the Dolphins believe Proctor playing guard not only helps the Dolphins field their five best linemen, but also will smooth his transition to the NFL.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026
  • His expression smoothed itself out.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • That statement shows the mental gymnastics that some leftists use to equate speech with violence.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 9 May 2026
  • Ignoring Jewish religious belief, history, and culture, Sartre equated Jewish identity with legitimate fear of antisemitic violence.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 8 May 2026
Adverb
  • But Chicago holds a special place in the interest of the nation, indeed the world.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
  • The Death in the Gulfstream is indeed a fine thing to do with a bottle of Holland gin, along with dozens of others.
    Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 9 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Even.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/even. Accessed 13 May. 2026.

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