level 1 of 3

as in position
the placement of someone or something in relation to others in a vertical arrangement a young karate student ready to rise to the next level in his chosen art of self-defense

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

level

2 of 3

verb

1
as in to balance
to make equal in amount, degree, or status we'll give both teams the same equipment so as to level the playing field

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to smooth
to make free from breaks, curves, or bumps the construction workers leveled the ground before laying a foundation for the new house

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to aim
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal the marksman leveled his gun at the target and fired

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
5

level

3 of 3

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective level contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of level are even, flat, plane, and smooth. While all these words mean "having a surface without bends, curves, or irregularities," level applies to a horizontal surface that lies on a line parallel with the horizon.

the vast prairies are nearly level

When is it sensible to use even instead of level?

In some situations, the words even and level 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 might flat be a better fit than level?

The meanings of flat and level largely overlap; however, flat applies to a surface devoid of noticeable curvatures, prominences, or depressions.

the work surface must be flat

When is plane a more appropriate choice than level?

The words plane and level are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 could smooth be used to replace level?

The synonyms smooth and level are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 level
Noun
The Bengals can’t stop anybody and the Cowboys certainly aren’t going to stop Joe Burrow, who is playing at an elite level on a bad team. Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 6 Dec. 2024 Kennedy also opposes adding fluoride in drinking water, a practice that boosts oral health and has been a cornerstone of U.S. public health policy for decades, citing studies that suggest a link between high levels of fluoride in drinking water and neurobehavioral problems. Nik Popli, TIME, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
From equipment sales to chemical suppliers to specialized services like irrigation and field leveling to secondary industries, like clothing retailers, tool shops and even restaurants, the Valley economy is built on farming. Tad Weber, The Mercury News, 3 Dec. 2024 To avoid this, don't forget to properly measure your brown sugar by packing it firmly into a dry measuring cup, then level it with the back of a spoon. Kelsey Ogletree, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Nov. 2024
Adjective
His advice for preventing bedroom falls included eliminating throw rugs, (which are common trip hazards), as well as maximizing lighting and minimizing glare, finishing surfaces in contrasting colors, making sure floors are level and minimizing entry thresholds. Jamie Gold, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024 Rather than having a level indicator on the base, there is just a blue line on the seat itself to tell when the seat is level, which didn’t really please our tester. Jessica Booth, Parents, 14 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for level 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for level
Noun
  • His work has been featured in prominent journals and media platforms, reinforcing his position as an AI and education thought leader.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
  • That position of Covington's takedown attempt allowed Buckley to sprawl and put Covington against the cage.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Adjust duct dampers or add thermal dampers to balance airflow for even heating in your home.
    Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Apple cider vinegar: Adds a little tang to balance the sweetness of the carrot and sugar.
    Liv Dansky, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • There’s even a nifty dryer attachment that swiftly smooths hair without overexposing it to heat; this is thanks to the Coanda effect, which tames hair without the need to press it against a heated surface, like a flat iron.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Packed with powerhouse ingredients like Japanese rice, green tea, and algae, this set aims to hydrate the skin and smooth any rough texture caused by dryness.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The government aims to have the practice of greyhound racing banned by Aug. 1, 2026.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024
  • This thermoelectric breakthrough aims to redefine what is possible for off-grid power and energy conservation.
    Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The hazardous conditions will impact commutes and lead to power outages and downed trees across the region.
    Calvin Milliner, ABC News, 5 Dec. 2024
  • But the wreckage remains — some 243 structures destroyed, a quarter of Ventura County’s avocado groves blackened, power lines downed, miles of irrigation pipes melted ... and a beloved perennial nursery in Somis burned and nearly shuttered.
    Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Once, in a stadium since demolished, the Orioles won three world championships; the Baltimore Colts did the same.
    Mike Klingaman, Baltimore Sun, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Subsequently demolished and rebuilt by Simo Design and Fischer Construction, the sleek wood and stone structure ultimately sold to Bay-Schuck in late 2019 for $11 million.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2024
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
  • The show’s continuing appeal hinges largely on Guralnik; her calm demeanor and sharp analytical framing guide the participants (and the audience) toward astute insights about their relationship patterns.
    Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Children who used to be violent have become calmer, and violence against children has significantly decreased.
    Sarah Ferguson, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near level

Cite this Entry

“Level.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/level. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on level

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!