even 1 of 3

Definition of evennext

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

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

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
The Mets were embarrassed by the Washington Nationals in an 14-2 blowout to even up the series at one game apiece. James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 30 Apr. 2026 Pope said his team hasn’t even told Worboys the show is happening yet. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Most people find that irksome shingles symptoms slowly subside in a few weeks, but PHN can last months or even years. Alyssa Sparacino, Glamour, 27 Apr. 2026 Spread an even layer of mulch about 3 to 4 inches deep over the root ball and in an area around it at least 3 feet wide. Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
The victory evens the best-of-seven first-round playoff series as it shifts to Anaheim for Games 3 and 4 on Friday and Sunday at Honda Center. Jason Hills, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026 So when Colorado captain Gabriel Landeskog evened the score 3 ½ minutes later, the teams headed to a fourth period. Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for even
Recent Examples of Synonyms for even
Adverb
  • Senior catcher Owen Weber was certainly impressed for Lincoln-Way West.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The Timberwolves can certainly relate.
    Sam Amick, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • However, the day did not go quite according to plan for Dale Coyne Racing's Romain Grosjean, and that was all thanks to an unfortunate run-in — in the most literal sense imaginable — with a bird.
    Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
  • General Daily Insight for April 29, 2026 Tension shows up today when timing, tone, or expectations don’t quite match.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The exact reasons are often left vague, and the successors to be determined, but people are leaving.
    Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The exact number of beds that will be added has yet to be determined.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Within the first camp, which was preserved because the Romans built a road over it, archaeologists discovered two identical groups of rooms adjacent to a larger one that contained a hearth, according to a press release.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 25 Apr. 2026
  • In it, a thin wooden beam with two lead balls on its ends was suspended from a wire at its center and then a structure that had heavier lead balls and was otherwise identical was stacked on top of the first beam.
    Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Then last June, the Nuggets snatched Wallace back from Minnesota, hiring him as their new co-general manager alongside his friend Ben Tenzer — another longtime Connelly disciple who’d been a steady hand behind the scenes in Denver’s front office since 2013.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • That drives pocket-protector wearing water engineers a little crazy, because steady outcomes are what these men and women live for.
    Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The complementary conditioner dials up the moisture with shea butter, murumuru butter, and amino acids to smooth and strengthen—leaving hair soft, bouncy, and ready for styling.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Its benefits span from firming and lift to smoothing texture and tone.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Casseroles are equated with comfort.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026
  • In popular culture, resilience is often equated with grit, toughness or relentless positivity.
    Keith M. Bellizzi, The Conversation, 13 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Here are The Denver Post’s 20 best fits remaining for the Broncos through rounds four, five, six, seven and beyond, if Denver indeed wants to have a good day Saturday.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • While the third season finale of Apple TV’s Shrinking felt decidedly like a series finale, the show will indeed be back for a fourth season, with the story moving just a little bit further down the road.
    Scott Huver, Deadline, 25 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Even.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/even. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on even

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