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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

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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

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flat

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adverb

flat

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noun

chiefly British

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

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 flat
Adjective
Recently a crew of flat earthers, or those in 2024 who contended the Earth is not round, were guests on an expedition to Antarctica. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025 Over the past few years, Meta has embraced a flatter organizational structure by removing multiple layers of management. Jeff Marks, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2025
Adverb
Keep your back flat, engage your core, and extend your right arm forward and your left leg straight back. Jakob Roze, Health, 22 Oct. 2024 Some of the excuses are the same as in other books, that AI can’t completely replace us yet so, even while talking about the advances to come, the claim that jobs remain similar, continue to fall flat. David A. Teich, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
Noun
However, ballet flats were also worn with less trend-seeking outfits, such as simple dresses. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2025 Lea was dressed in a Dolce & Gabbana leopard print chiffon dress and sparking gold flats and accessorized her fun look with a red purse. Hannah Sacks, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for flat 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flat
Adjective
  • This flexibility allows parents to craft the exact educational experience their child needs to succeed.
    Pam Tapley, Orlando Sentinel, 17 Jan. 2025
  • While that sounds very specific, those exact parameters help many players ink deals — 17 players fit that criteria from the most recent free agency period.
    Tony East, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Covering the entertainment business is never boring, and 2025 is already shaping up to be another banger as business models that have been around for decades continue to evolve, erode and unravel.
    Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025
  • News to Know Disney buys Fubo On its face, the move might sound like a boring press release.
    Chris Branch, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Plus this episode also delivers peak unhinged Lex while he's stranded on an island post-plane crash and suffering from malaria, which leads to a moment that teases his natural killer instincts that he's kept so well hidden from Clark, and the world, so far.
    Christian Holub, EW.com, 16 Oct. 2021
  • But those cars were powered by pushrod engines with conventional cross-plane cranks.
    Rich Ceppos, Car and Driver, 2 Oct. 2022
Adjective
  • Warframe is the model that the industry largely ignores, for whatever reason, despite being arguably the most successful and stable.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
  • In addition to Strong's scrap and boatyard, the stable where Curly would care for Tommy's racehorses resided here.
    Matt Cabral, EW.com, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • My top answer is a simple and no-brainer recommendation: Wash your hands with soap and water.
    Amanda Schupak, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Keep your indoor money tree healthy and lush with these simple pruning tips.
    Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But unlike most matte lip products, this viral formula doesn't feel drying on the lips, courtesy of a whole host of skin-loving ingredients such as vitamin E, cotton seed oil, green tea oil and mango oil.
    Denise Primbet, Glamour, 23 Dec. 2024
  • In one snap, their son, Bronze, 2, smiles in the front seat of a mini, matte black Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon.
    Emma Aerin Becker, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • These are easy ways to spruce up otherwise bland statements.
    Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Signs Your Salt Might Be Going Bad Salt is the invisible hero of the kitchen, often making the difference between a winning dish and a bland one.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • From pencil thin brows to cool-toned smokey eyes, all the cool girls are channeling that iconic vintage supermodel aesthetic.
    Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 13 Jan. 2025
  • The faux leather exterior is sleek and practical for this time of year, while the inside has a thin fleece lining to keep you warm.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 13 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near flat

Cite this Entry

“Flat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flat. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

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