flat 1 of 3

adjective

ˈflat How to pronounce flat (audio)
Definition of flatnext
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

Relevance

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
3
as in plane
having a surface without bends, breaks, or irregularities preferred riding her bike on a flat road

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in stable
having been established and usually not subject to change charged a flat rate for priority shipping

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in simple
having no exceptions or restrictions a flat denial of the charges

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in matte
lacking a surface luster or gloss used a flat paint for the condo's interior walls

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in bland
lacking in qualities that make for spirit and character a dull, flat reading of a story that was really quite exciting

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in thin
lacking in taste or flavor this pasta dish tastes a little flat

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

flat

2 of 3

adverb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Cabanis said overall Chinese demand was flat, with spending shifting from domestic to overseas shopping and increasingly clustered around big events. — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 31 July 2026 Enter, the flat-back Teleties clip found in this month’s box. — Allure Editors, Allure, 31 July 2026
Adverb
France caught the All Blacks flat-footed with Penaud's opening try. — ABC News, 4 July 2026 It was modeled after canal packet boats of yore, which were squat and flat-roofed to fit beneath the low railroad bridges that crossed the canal. — Betsy Andrews, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
Noun
Wear them now with ribbed tank tops, dressy button-ups, crochet blouses, and flip-flop heels, then carry them into fall with cozy flannels, cropped sweaters, clogs, and ballet flats. — Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026 During a 7-on-7 period Friday, Patrick Mahomes threw to Kenneth Walker in the flat. — Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for flat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flat
  1. exact
  2. boring
  3. smooth
  4. stable
  5. simple
  6. matte
  7. bland
  8. thin
Adjective
  • The distance of the moon from the Earth and the exact shape of the moon —but also of the sun — are critical.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • State police did not release her exact injuries or provide an update on her condition.
    — Michael Guise, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of exact
Adjective
  • Unfortunately, the group offered amazingly little of that over the course of the night, minimizing the bells and whistles during what could be properly dubbed a fairly boring stage show overall.
    — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • In valuing and nurturing a sense of life as the adventure of understanding and demonstrating Love’s allness, what might have previously seemed to be a boring gap in activity becomes a spiritually refreshing pause.
    — Tony Lobl, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of boring
Adjective
  • The shampoo makes my hair feel squeaky clean and refreshed without stripping my hair and the conditioner makes my hair feel glassy and smooth like butter.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Venus enters Libra and your 3rd House of Communication, helping conversations feel smoother, warmer, and more persuasive.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of smooth
Adjective
  • Irish boxer Lee Reeves is in a critical but stable condition in hospital after his defeat via knockout in Dublin on Saturday, a Queensberry Promotions spokesperson has confirmed.
    — Chris McKenna, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The woman was transported to the hospital and remains in stable condition.
    — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of stable
Adjective
  • Abernathy Greenway Park walk with Trees Atlanta Take a walk through the park with a Trees Atlanta docent, who will teach simple tricks for telling trees apart and share stories about why trees are important and how to protect them.
    — Mary Caldwell, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The Oldest Person in the World takes an ostensibly simple premise and explores its deeper resonance.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • Its 85-inch QLED display features a highly matte anti-glare screen, so your art and movies look lifelike without annoying reflections.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The long-wearing formula sets to a semi-matte finish that resists oil and humidity, too.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 Nov. 2025
Definition of matte
Adjective
  • How in the Nine Realms did Thor—a bland, long-haired jock set to inherit his daddy’s empire—become one of Marvel’s most interesting and likeable heroes?
    — EW Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The packets contained twice as much condiment as conventional packets and invited fans to call a foul on bland food.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of bland
Adjective
  • The Orioles’ Taylor Ward has been at or near the top of the shopping list for every team seeking a righty-hitting outfield bat since the market for players like him may never have been thinner.
    — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Improperly Drying Flammable Items Drying clothes stained with any type of chemical stains such as gasoline, paint thinner, or acetone is a hazard.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of thin

Phrases Containing flat

Browse Nearby Words

flasks
flat
flatboat
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flat. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on flat

Nglish: Translation of flat for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about flat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of invidious

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
fridge-magnet-letters
Drop a Letter Quiz August 2026 Drop a letter from a word to make a totally diffe...
See All