LEVEL Synonyms: 296 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

level 1 of 3

noun

ˈle-vəl

Definition of level next

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

Relevance

level

2 of 3

verb

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

disequilibrate

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

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as in to aim

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

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as in to down

to strike (someone) so forcefully as to cause a fall the boxer leveled his opponent with a single blow

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as in to demolish

to destroy (as a building) completely by knocking down or breaking to pieces an old warehouse that was leveled to build a parking lot

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level

3 of 3

adjective

as in plane

having a surface without bends, breaks, or irregularities looked for a level place to land the plane

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as in calm

free from emotional or mental agitation in a much more level mood now that the worst is over

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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

Examples 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

The percentage of Republicans who strongly disapprove of the Jan. 6 attack has dropped more than 20 points since January 2021 — from 51% then to 30% now — the lowest level since the attack, recent CBS News polling shows. —

Jennifer De Pinto, CBS News, 6 Jan. 2025 The policy changes from the new law will heap more administrative work on the Social Security Administration, which is already at its lowest staffing level in decades. —

Fatima Hussein, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2025

Verb

The report also stated that Sun’s legal team has a history of threatening media outlets with legal action for reporting on the accusations leveled against Tron. —

Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 3 Jan. 2025 Adams has also compared the New York indictment leveled at Trump to the one brought against himself, suggesting that both were politically weaponized by Biden’s Justice Department. —

Emily Hallas, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Dec. 2024

Adjective

The retractable foils and electric motor extend out when the C-8 reaches a speed of 16 knots and adjust in real-time to ensure a smooth, perfectly level flight even in choppy waters. —

Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2024 His advice for preventing bedroom falls included eliminating throw rugs, (which are common trip hazards), as well as maximizing lighting and minimizing glare, finishing surfaces in contrasting colors, making sure floors are level and minimizing entry thresholds. —

Jamie Gold, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for level

Recent Examples of Synonyms for level

Noun

Made with memory foam, the neck pillow comfortably supports your head and neck in any position and is made with a breathable, yet plush, fabric.

Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 2 Jan. 2025
Thanks to these translations, English-speaking readers are in a better position to ponder the mystery of how a timid, apolitical newspaperman wrote one of the most haunting novels of the age of Fascism and war.

Christopher Tayler, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025