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
To get the blood flowing, it is recommended to perform movements such as Turkish get-ups, incline bench presses, or flat bench presses. Gabriele Regalbuto, FOXNews.com, 30 Aug. 2025 While sales of existing homes have ticked up recently, they are still subdued and prices are flat. Preston Fore, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2025
Adverb
Without a partner in the Israeli government, recognition of a Palestinian state will fall flat, and could even entrench Netanyahu further. Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2025 Some of the latest One UI interface tweaks, like separating the quick settings and notifications, fall flat. ArsTechnica, 31 July 2025
Noun
Just like Murphy, Still drew attention to himself by making plays during a limited, nine-snap outing, including a closing play on a quick pass into the flat that could have gained big yardage. Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 15 Aug. 2025 Notably, Fitoussi put Emily in Christian Louboutin flats. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 11 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flat
Adjective
  • At large agencies, this field proved incredibly valuable to understanding the exact divisions where the losses took place.
    Pratheek Rebala, ProPublica, 21 Aug. 2025
  • The goal is to get a multi-year agreement on the next production contract, but the exact length is yet to be determined.
    Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The parasites get their names from the larvae, which look and act like screws, boring and twisting into their victim's flesh.
    Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2025
  • In the early episodes, when everyone’s still getting to know each other, are the conversations boring?
    Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Prices remained stable for all except colonoscopy, which rose by nearly 30%.
    Ge Bai, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Leisure travel to the United States is down this year, but business travel to the country remains stable, according to a report from SAP Concur.
    Monica Pitrelli, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • For Zander, who has spent three decades championing play as a form of healing, the solution lies in something deceptively simple: rediscovering the human joy of play.
    William Jones, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
  • In simple terms, net-new ARR is a way to show how fast a company’s recurring revenue base is growing.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 28 Aug. 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
  • The new labels bring a fresh spin on tennis attire that had gone bland following the retirements of icons Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova, and Serena Williams.
    Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Cantaloupes are packed not only with water but also supply a healthy dose of vitamins A and C.1 But biting into a bland, flavorless cantaloupe is no fun.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Only a thin layer of dust brings you back to the present.
    Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Wells Fargo estimates grocery could be a drag on Amazon’s operating income with each percentage point of U.S. market share potentially costing $2.5 billion to $3 billion annually due to thin margins.
    Paulina Likos, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Development firms Emem Group LLC and General Capital Group LLP were in charge of the project and the 42-unit apartment complex above the library known as the MLK Library Apartments.
    Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 30 Aug. 2025
  • About 40 tenants have moved in so far where the rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,000.
    Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flat. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

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