even 1 of 3

even

2 of 3

adjective

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
Sellers can even leave the unwanted contents, saving time and expense. Archway Homes, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2025 Assuming he’s appointed 27th Ward alderman, Walter Burnett III will be in an even better position than his stepbrother. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2025
Adjective
All of Thursday’s speakers recommended entering the appeals process with an even tone. Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2025 Since the end of the era of Richard Nixon– a president who, in secret, tried to pressure then-Fed chief Arthur Burns to soften up on policy ahead of the 1972 election – his successors have all supported an independent Fed so that the central bank can keep the economy on an even keel. Ron Insana, CNBC, 26 June 2025
Verb
The Dodgers have won five of six to start the season and have evened the point differential at 32-32 despite the Padres’ 11-1 win last week in San Diego. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2025 The score was evened when Luke Free excelled in the third singles match, winning in straight sets–6-3, 6-1–against Charlie Derkazarian. Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for even
Recent Examples of Synonyms for even
Adverb
  • Few modern conflicts have certainly sparked as much global outrage, division, and scrutiny as the war in Gaza — not just because of the war’s scale, but for the staggering human toll on civilians.
    Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • At $1,500, the 10 Recumbent Bike is certainly an investment.
    Sara Coughlin, SELF, 1 July 2025
Adverb
  • The Champagne Bar is a more casual outpost, although still quite lavish (it’s called the Champagne Bar, after all).
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 9 July 2025
  • Automatic pool cleaners can be quite pricey, so Prime Day is a great time to score a deal.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Modelled directly after the team’s 2025 season design, the helmet is finished in Coinbase’s signature electric blue to present an exact replica of the real thing, just dramatically oversized.
    Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • While the exact reasons behind the latest moves were unclear, the wild swings in the Taiwan dollar over the past two trading sessions come as domestic firms — including life insurers and exporters — prepare to release their half-year financial reports.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • The corporate giant acquired Dollar Shave Club (DSC) in 2016 for what seems almost identical reasons—viral marketing that challenged industry giants.
    Jennifer J. Fondrevay, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • For example, the pattern carved into the creamy marble sides of the Lounge Bar is identical to that in the intricate iroko wood ceiling.
    Marcia DeSanctis, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Qualified users should understand that legal medical use does not override employer policy or federal restrictions, and employers should be prepared to stand behind the decisions those policies produce. Parting Thoughts HB 46 continues Texas’ slow but steady march toward broader cannabis access.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • The Federal Reserve on June 18 held interest rates steady at a range between 4.25% and 4.5% for a fourth straight meeting despite Trump's public lobbying for a lower rate and his insults directed at Powell.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • These pre-soaked exfoliating pads use gentle lactic acid and the brand’s Tri-Enzyme technology to smooth rough patches, fade dark spots, and give your skin that post-facial glow.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 8 July 2025
  • The lion's mane mushroom extract helps smooth any sharp edges from the THC for a mellow Friday night buzz that's perfect for zoning out with a movie.
    Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • Several establishment owners equated the PRO’s efforts to collect fees to a mob-like shakedown, citing aggressive on-site confrontations and threatening letters.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
  • His ostentatious well-being is scorned by Walker, who equates equilibrium with compromise.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
Adverb
  • And the 7-footer did indeed serve as a ref the final half.
    Gary Bedore July 10, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025
  • But drill down another level and the challenges facing the legacy networks are grim indeed.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Even.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/even. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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