even 1 of 3

Definition of evennext
1
as in exact
being neither more nor less than a certain amount, number, or extent the distance to town is an even mile

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4
as in steady
not varying energy demands do not stay even throughout the day but peak significantly during the afternoon hours

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

even

3 of 3

verb

1
as in to smooth
to make free from breaks, curves, or bumps even the filling before adding the top layer of the cake

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to equate
to make equal in amount, degree, or status the contention that producing more arms will even us with the enemy and therefore make us more secure

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective even contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of even are flat, level, plane, and smooth. While all these words mean "having a surface without bends, curves, or irregularities," 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 can flat be used instead of even?

The words flat and even are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, flat applies to a surface devoid of noticeable curvatures, prominences, or depressions.

the work surface must be flat

Where would level be a reasonable alternative to even?

In some situations, the words level and even are roughly equivalent. However, level applies to a horizontal surface that lies on a line parallel with the horizon.

the vast prairies are nearly level

When could plane be used to replace even?

While in some cases nearly identical to even, 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 it sensible to use smooth instead of even?

Although the words smooth and even have much in common, 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 even
Adverb
Though there are plenty of lovely walking trails, even the park’s boat and trams tours will require some walking, so don’t expect to take it easy. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026 The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act means the court cannot order Meta to request children to submit personal data or be passively tracked online, even for age verification purposes. ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
Adjective
Divide batter between prepared cake pans and spread each into an even, flat layer. Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Aug. 2026 More than 100,000 of them just bought these Medicube toner pads, a K-beauty staple that gently exfoliates the skin, refines pores, and smooths skin texture for a more even complexion. Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
While beloved for their loose powders (which Bieber uses), Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturizer is equally as impressive for its lightweight, buildable coverage that evens and blurs skin without contributing to sweat and oil in warm weather. Essence Wiley, InStyle, 27 June 2026 Turkey evened it in the 10th minute with an excellent two-man game from Baris Alper Yilmaz and Güler, the 21-year-old Real Madrid rising star. Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for even
Recent Examples of Synonyms for even
Adverb
  • Scheffler certainly hasn't struggled to find consistency this season.
    Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Things have certainly gone up a level, too, with her new punky cropped haircut.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 13 Aug. 2026
Adverb
  • That was quite confusing, so the clubs voted to get rid of it.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Few countries have felt the force of the insect’s impact quite like South Africa.
    Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • While the exact timing and intensity of the impacts are still uncertain and will ultimately depend on how close Lala tracks to the Hawaiian islands, heavy rain, strong winds and rough surf impacts are likely this weekend.
    Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • According to the outlet, casings found outside the building suggest the shooting began outside and then continued inside the apartment, but an investigation into the exact circumstances continues.
    Adam England, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • This multi-level tale of the battle against oblivion made for one of the Previews’ highlights.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Incumbents hesitated, but young and diverse civic-minded men and women jumped at a chance to compete on a level playing field for state offices.
    Elona Vaisnys, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The high school principal sent a nearly identical response, according to the filing.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Conversely, investment banks can drop large numbers of new grads into identical jobs.
    Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Oil prices were holding steady after slipping in recent days.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Despite the ongoing component crisis, Google credits its in-house chip manufacturing for keeping prices steady and maintaining control over the hardware.
    Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The self-tan wipes are easy to apply and contain exfoliating acids that smooth the skin, plus encapsulated DHA (the ingredient that stains the skin) to leave behind a radiant tan.
    Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Both iterations are formulated with smoothing honey extract, strawberry, blueberry, and papaya extracts, plus milk proteins to fortify and condition strands.
    Annie Blackman, InStyle, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Speed And Output Are Not The Same Thing The instinct to equate AI use with productivity is understandable.
    Muhammad Muzammil Rawjani, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Living by a maxim that equated failure with opportunity, Brees exhibited a knack for turning tribulation into triumph.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Even.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/even. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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