flat 1 of 3

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
While Chipotle saw a 3% total revenue increase to $3.1 billion, the company cut its guidance, now expecting flat same-store sales growth for the year compared to its previous prediction of a low single-digit increase. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 24 July 2025 Its waterproof finish keeps the salty ocean spray away from your belongings, and its flat bottom stays upright on sand. Caley Sturgill, People.com, 14 July 2025
Adverb
Despite later becoming a pet for Superboy, the two never really vibe, and any attempts to install this incarnation as a mainstay fall flat. Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 11 July 2025 The sweet scalloped edges on this dinnerware set keep it from falling flat. Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 8 July 2025
Noun
Speaking of flattering, the skirt’s ankle length and asymmetrical hem gives it a fluttery look that pairs well with sandals, flats, espadrilles, or heels. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 10 July 2025 The royal added further to her look, wearing a pair of slingback ballerina flats courtesy of Gianvito Rossi and accessorized with a pair of sunglasses by Louis Vuitton, a favorite designer of the royal. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for flat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flat
Adjective
  • While an exact date has yet to be announced, HBO Max confirmed that Welcome to Derry will premiere in October.
    EW.com, EW.com, 28 July 2025
  • The exact nature of the $250,000 in question has been a point of contention for years.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 28 July 2025
Adjective
  • Hunter: The Reckoning puts players in the role of regular people who know monsters are real and can’t go back to their old, boring lives.
    Rob Wieland, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • The real world is monochromatic, straightforward, boring.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • An East Chicago man shot by police Tuesday evening is in stable condition, according to his uncle, who says witnesses to the shooting claim his nephew didn’t start the issue.
    Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025
  • This stood in sharp contrast to the postwar American corporate experience, which operated within stable, predictable structures.
    Gabriel Snyder, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Looking for their environmental DNA in scales, slime or skin cells that living beings shed all the time is a simpler way, Workman said.
    Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • The updates are a stark contrast to the simple designs favored by past presidents like Joe Biden and Barack Obama.
    Meredith Kile, People.com, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • This Lulus bag is primarily matte and clean, with just a tinge of silver on the top handle and cutesy bow.
    Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 22 Feb. 2025
  • To get this result, Dempsey recommends the Dior Addict Lip Tint for its transfer-proof, semi-matte finish.
    Loren Savini, Allure, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Out-of-season tomatoes—notoriously pale, mealy, and bland—tend to be tomatoes in name only.
    Rachel Sugar, The Atlantic, 24 July 2025
  • Apparently, the line is bland but also profound and ironic, and all of that whooshes over my head, too, but that’s Saturday.
    Caitlin Lovinger, New York Times, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • Cover it with a thin layer of topsoil or compost to cover the seeds.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 24 July 2025
  • The market is thin in run-producing bats, and O'Hearn not only fills that need but is versatile enough to play the corner outfield spots as well.
    Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • The project needed $1,000 to furnish each apartment.
    Cathy Kozlowicz, jsonline.com, 25 July 2025
  • And while some places have updated their zoning to allow duplexes and apartments, trying to change the rules is often controversial, time-consuming and costly.
    Marisa Peñaloza, NPR, 24 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flat. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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