even 1 of 3

even

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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
Then there are short-term options like Detroit’s Kevin Zeitler, 34; Dallas’ Zack Martin, 34; or maybe even Jacksonville’s Brandon Scherff, 33. Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025 At the very least, social media is addictive and represents an opportunity cost compared to time that could be spent talking with friends, going outside or even reading a book. Rich Lowry, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
The tank was illuminated from below by a uniform LED light screen and diffuser to get an even background. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 21 Jan. 2025 In addition to ingestion, large plastic items, including fishing gear and other debris, can entangle marine creatures, causing injuries or even fatalities. Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
The loss evened the scaled between the Steelers and Ravens, both of which are 10-5 with two weeks left in the regular season. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024 After falling behind in the third period, an Erik Karlsson snipe evened the game. Josh Yohe, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for even 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for even
Adverb
  • Well, the stats certainly say yes, at least internationally.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore The iconic black-and-white spiral striped lighthouse on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore has certainly graced its fair share of postcards and screensavers—but there’s nothing quite like seeing it in person.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2025
Adverb
  • Even if your skin is quite resilient, the best body washes for sensitive skin can benefit all skin types for their soothing, usually minimalist formulations.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Allure, 15 Feb. 2025
  • The landscape of the women’s game, though getting more crowded with real contenders, is not quite there yet.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • This exact Rolex was the gift from our WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
  • In the petition, St. Clair said New York is the home state of the child, who goes by R.S.C. The author, 26, alleges in the petition that Musk is the father of the boy, who was born in September 2024 (the exact date has been redacted in the filing).
    Elizabeth Rosner, People.com, 22 Feb. 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
  • Instead of existing in a single place, subject to the forces of nature or politics, bitcoin exists in the form of identical data stored in the computer memory across hundreds of thousands of computers spread out all around the planet—and even in space.
    Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Basso laments the rush of indie games that followed the celebrated Hollow Knight (2017), each with a nearly identical set of moves: slide, double-jump and midair dash.
    Lewis Gordon, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Other winners included stocks of companies that can provide steadier profits regardless of the U.S. economy's strength.
    STAN CHOE THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 22 Feb. 2025
  • That breakout success story is steady in first place for a forty-fourth nonconsecutive frame.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The formula is packed with keratins and proteins to fortify the nails, while key ingredients like cellulose, silica, celery seed extract, and camellia oil help smooth and strengthen.
    Iman Balagam, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2025
  • The two that were closed – runways 4/22 and 15/33 – are shorter than the main runway and typically used during busier periods at the airport to alleviate congestion and smooth the flow of traffic into and out of DCA.
    Russell Lewis, NPR, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Owens advocates for a cultural shift that values rest as essential for achieving and sustaining excellence, countering the pervasive narrative that equates busyness with success.
    Leslie D. Rose, Parents, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Card values and collector popularity don’t necessarily equate with the best players in the leagues this season; players who didn’t participate in this past weekend’s NBA All-Star festivities in San Francisco are on this list.
    Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 17 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near even

Cite this Entry

“Even.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/even. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

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