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1
as in exact
being neither more nor less than a certain amount, number, or extent industrial growth has been a flat two percent for each of the last four quarters

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in boring
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest a flat portrayal of Benjamin Franklin in the new TV series

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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flat

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adverb

flat

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noun

chiefly British

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective flat contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of flat are even, level, plane, and smooth. While all these words mean "having a surface without bends, curves, or irregularities," flat applies to a surface devoid of noticeable curvatures, prominences, or depressions.

the work surface must be flat

When would even be a good substitute for flat?

In some situations, the words even and flat 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 is it sensible to use level instead of flat?

The words level and flat can be used in similar contexts, but level applies to a horizontal surface that lies on a line parallel with the horizon.

the vast prairies are nearly level

Where would plane be a reasonable alternative to flat?

While in some cases nearly identical to flat, 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 smooth a more appropriate choice than flat?

The words smooth and flat are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 flat
Adjective
Dough at room temperature will yield flat cookies. Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025 The third quarter net-write off rate was flat. Kevin Stankiewicz,matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2025
Adverb
But the rapid advancement and adoption of AI chips, pioneered by Nvidia, has left it flat-footed. Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 1 Oct. 2025 Their warmth, textural contrast, and savory nuttiness adds depth and complexity that can make mixes that usually tend to fall flat more flavorful. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2025
Noun
Footwear continues to push boundaries, with designs ranging from ballet flats in satin inspired by its iconic Mexico 66 to suede riding boots, ensuring versatility and individuality at every step. Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2025 As the tide recedes from the Bay of Rest, mud flats lined with mangrove trees are left exposed. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flat
Adjective
  • For centuries, the wreck becomes the stuff of legends, with only the remote indigenous Guna Yala tribe privy to its exact location.
    Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The Paris digs are infinitely sleeker, dimly lit, and darkly appointed, but the food is more or less an exact replica.
    Rob Haskell, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Anyone who suggests Guardiola’s title-winning Manchester City teams were boring should be forced to watch 90 minutes of Mourinho’s Chelsea versus Rafael Benitez’s Liverpool in the mid-2000s and report back.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The details might be boring, but the gathering of money—searching gem dealers, gold dealers—was a full-time job.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Tyler sustained third-degree burns on his arm, but remains in stable condition, according to the news station.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Higginbotham still managed to be one of the most effective commentators in the Apple TV stable.
    Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Monochromatic Raven loves to stick to a simple, serene palette by combining a variety of white tulips with different bloom times.
    Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2025
  • This Madewell version channels that effortless, neutral polish Kitts described—simple, structured, and endlessly versatile.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The long-wearing formula sets to a semi-matte finish that resists oil and humidity, too.
    Sarah Han, Allure, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Gone are the days of the ultra-matte liquid lipstick.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Street Kings is bland, forgettable pulp — Reeves doesn’t enliven it, getting buried along with the rest of a fine ensemble that includes Forest Whitaker, Hugh Laurie, and a pre-Captain America Chris Evans.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Companies such as OpenAI fine-tune the models behind modern chatbots not just to imitate existing writing, but to use the particularly bland and cheerful style that any chatbot user recognizes.
    Vauhini Vara, The Atlantic, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The researchers overcame traditional size limitations by embedding thin but powerful actuators that respond to heat and pressure.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
  • France’s government survived a no-confidence vote in Parliament on Thursday by a thin margin, giving the country a brief respite from intense political turmoil before what is expected to be another brutal battle over its budget.
    Aurelien Breeden, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • For instance, the Comet browser still gets completely stumped on the website Semafor uses for expenses and travel.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Some neighborhoods have such high levels of destruction that the only option is to completely raze them and rebuild them.
    Shelly Culbertson, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flat. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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