level 1 of 3

as in position
the placement of someone or something in relation to others in a vertical arrangement a young karate student ready to rise to the next level in his chosen art of self-defense

Synonyms & Similar Words

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level

2 of 3

verb

1
as in to balance
to make equal in amount, degree, or status we'll give both teams the same equipment so as to level the playing field

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to smooth
to make free from breaks, curves, or bumps the construction workers leveled the ground before laying a foundation for the new house

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to aim
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal the marksman leveled his gun at the target and fired

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
5

level

3 of 3

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective level contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of level are even, flat, plane, and smooth. While all these words mean "having a surface without bends, curves, or irregularities," level applies to a horizontal surface that lies on a line parallel with the horizon.

the vast prairies are nearly level

When is it sensible to use even instead of level?

In some situations, the words even and level 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 might flat be a better fit than level?

The meanings of flat and level largely overlap; however, flat applies to a surface devoid of noticeable curvatures, prominences, or depressions.

the work surface must be flat

When is plane a more appropriate choice than level?

The words plane and level are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 could smooth be used to replace level?

The synonyms smooth and level are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 level
Noun
Josh Snyder reports on how the state LEARNS Act has changed public education, including on the local level. Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2025 Beets should be consumed 60 to 90 minutes before a workout to let nitrate levels peak. Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
Grab a dumbbell with the opposite hand while keeping your back straight and shoulders level. Jakob Roze, Health, 8 Sep. 2025 It can even be used to level-up Mom’s rendition. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Intuitive interface equipped with layers, masking, and local adjustments for quick, pro-level edits. Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 9 Sep. 2025 Xu compared the process to learning a multi-level sport and emphasized that DoorDash is still early in building these broad capabilities. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for level
Recent Examples of Synonyms for level
Noun
  • Barrett's clear statement on the 22nd Amendment carries significant weight given her position on the Supreme Court, which would likely be asked to rule on any attempt to circumvent the two-term limit.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • At home, consciously shape algorithm interactions to reflect your preferences and ethical positions.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Leading nominee Lady Gaga, Latin Icon Award recipient Ricky Martin and viral video breakouts Sombr and Conan Gray showcased MTV's commitment to balancing veterans and upstarts during the 2025 VMAs.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Communal feasts in century-old homes, polished raw bars, and menus that balance nostalgia with creative ambition can all be found in Music City.
    Rai Mincey, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Personal communicators are wired to smooth things over.
    Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Aveda Hand Relief Moisturizing Crème gets it right with a rich yet fast-absorbing formula that pairs glycerin and aloe vera for lasting hydration, while exfoliating lactic acid gently smooths rough patches.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Breeze Basketball Club and Hive Basketball Club will add 12 players to rosters, while six additional athletes will enter a season-long development pool aimed at strengthening depth and competitiveness.
    Roberta F. Rodrigues, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • In order to embolden and support his organization, bin Laden often videotaped himself with messages aimed at his target audience, established training centers in Afghanistan, had an expansive funding network that included wealthy individuals, couriers, mosques and other complex ways to raise funds.
    Richard Frankel, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Report downed power lines to the police.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Polish airspace was violated by at least 19 Russian drones overnight, the country's prime minister said, in a torrent of activity that triggered a response from the NATO country's air force, which scrambled and downed several of the drones.
    Will Gretsky, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • An image taken on August 19 shows Israeli excavators and bulldozers demolishing buildings in Zeitoun.
    Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
  • In a shocking and dominant performance, Lesnar completely demolished Cena, delivering 16 German suplexes in a one-sided beatdown to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The airport in Cap-Haïtien was calm and orderly, the streets were alive with daily commerce and children in bright yellow uniforms played together during recess.
    Footwear News, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Meanwhile, the decent people who are likely to pay attention to calls for calm and cool aren’t the ones raising the temperature anyway.
    Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Taylor and Wasserman both said Milwaukee County could not single-handedly solve the entire state's arts funding problem and that responsibility for Milwaukee's ranking lies in the state Legislature.
    Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Financially, Mexico also fares well, though safety and air quality continue to drag down its overall Quality of Life ranking.
    Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Level.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/level. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

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