FLAT Synonyms: 565 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

flat 1 of 3

adjective

ˈflat

Definition of flat next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in boring

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

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as in plane

having a surface without bends, breaks, or irregularities preferred riding her bike on a flat road

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as in stable

having been established and usually not subject to change charged a flat rate for priority shipping

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as in simple

having no exceptions or restrictions a flat denial of the charges

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as in matte

lacking a surface luster or gloss used a flat paint for the condo's interior walls

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as in bland

lacking in qualities that make for spirit and character a dull, flat reading of a story that was really quite exciting

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as in thin

lacking in taste or flavor this pasta dish tastes a little flat

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flat

2 of 3

adverb

as in completely

to a full extent or degree I am flat broke this week

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flat

3 of 3

noun

chiefly British

as in apartment

a room or set of rooms in a private house or a block used as a separate dwelling place had to take on a third roommate in order to afford the bigger flat

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Think subversive and specific rather than plain and flat. —

Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 6 Feb. 2025 Club stock Nvidia was flat after hours after bouncing 1.7% in the regular session. —

Zev Fima, CNBC, 5 Feb. 2025

Adverb

Wool stockings and tree skirts should be hand-washed in warm water with a wool specific detergent and laid flat to dry or can be dry cleaned. —

Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 2024 The Apple Watch pad flips up or can be laid flat, and there’s a spot for AirPods on the gray felt pad. —

Simon Hill Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 3 Jan. 2025

Noun

Bonefish are typically found in tropical, clean waters around the world patrolling shallow flats for crustaceans. —

Jon Chapman, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2025 And if botanicals aren’t for you, these ballet flats are also available in various suede and leather colorways, though the price varies by style. —

Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for flat

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flat

Adjective

But Lamar’s superpower has long been his unique ability to navigate this exact tension between message and reach: to tell stories of American pain and oppression without coming off as preachy; to challenge audiences lyrically and musically while widening his listenership.

— Andrew R. Chow, TIME, 10 Feb. 2025
Celine Flared serge jeans in steel blue wash denim $550 Buy Now These are the exact pair of jeans that Kendrick wore to the Super Bowl.

— Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 10 Feb. 2025