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
Dylan Harper, 20, wasn't even alive the last time his father played in the Finals in 2001. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 4 June 2026 Chris Ratcliffe | Bloomberg | Getty Images European stocks moved higher early Thursday as tensions escalated between Washington and Tehran, even as a ceasefire was agreed between Israel and Lebanon on Wednesday evening. Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 4 June 2026
Adjective
Cobolli, 24, and Auger-Aliassime, 25, have been going through the tournament in different ways — Cobolli with some eyecatching flair that turned into jitters during his fourth-round win; Auger-Aliassime with more jeopardy but also a more even keel. Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 2 June 2026 Cole didn't have his best stuff on Sunday, hitting just 10 greens in regulation, but still carded an even-par round of 70 to give himself a chance to earn his first win on Tour. Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
Verb
All of the ingredients were there for the Red Sox in Wednesday’s 3-1 win over the Phillies, which evened the series at one game apiece. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 14 May 2026 Mateo Silvetti evened it at 3-3 in the 79th minute after coming on as a substitute. ABC News, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for even
Recent Examples of Synonyms for even
Adverb
  • What Bryant explains is that the Giants locker room almost certainly doesn't care about someone's political opinions.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026
  • On Saturday night, the rapper’s first headlining solo show since at least 2019 was certainly a reinforcement that Jay-Z is still one of the best rappers alive, if not the preeminent emcee of his generation.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 31 May 2026
Adverb
  • The story that Meija tells is also quite damning.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 3 June 2026
  • Although service is not quite polished, the happy-go-lucky Dutch-Caribbean staff are refreshingly devoid of attitude.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Many women are simultaneously navigating chronic stress, poor sleep, caregiving responsibilities, financial pressure, nonstop digital stimulation, and relentless productivity expectations during the exact years hormonal shifts begin intensifying.
    Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
  • That, however, doesn’t capture the exact torque, force and grip required for a robot hand to work flawlessly.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • Peach trees grown from seed won't be identical to the parent plant.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 6 June 2026
  • The menu is identical across locations, showcasing dishes found in regions along the 41st parallel.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 June 2026
Adjective
  • Excessive Heat When temperatures sit at a steady high, tomato plants get stressed.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
  • Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria — like South Africa — had been easing monetary policy before the conflict broke out, but chose to hold their lending rates steady in recent weeks.
    Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Fortunately, just then, Marijan entered the living room, with her hair smoothed down and her makeup reapplied, wearing a hand-stitched abaya from Mecca.
    Jamil Jan Kochai, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
  • In turn, these ingredients will firm the skin, visibly smooth fine lines, impart a youthful glow, and provide deep nourishment.
    Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • We are trained, from early on, to equate addition with progress.
    Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
  • While being named in the files does not equate with wrongdoing, and Mette-Marit has not been accused of any crimes, one of the biggest questions about the Epstein files surrounds her 2013 visit to the financier's home in Palm Beach, Fla.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 27 May 2026
Adverb
  • Gundam Rogue Orbit also looks very nice indeed, and the game is using Unreal Engine.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
  • While Carell's Nick was indeed dead for most of season 2, his character returns for a flashback in the latest batch of episodes.
    Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Even.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/even. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on even

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster