flattened; flattening
ˈflat-niŋ
ˈfla-tə-
: to make flat
flatten the dough into a disk
The dog flattened its ears.
: such as
a
: to make level or smooth
flattened the papers
b
: to knock down
houses flattened by the tornado
also
: to defeat decisively
got flattened in the first round of playoffs
c
: to make dull or uninspired
… small changes … that flatten a writer's style …—John Gross
—often used with outIn thus flattening out a complicated story, the book misses an opportunity …—Tony Judt
d
: to make lusterless
flatten paint
e
: to stabilize especially at a lower level
a candidate promising to flatten interest rates
: to become flat or flatter: such as
a
: to become dull or spiritless
b
: to extend in or into a flat position or form
c
: to become uniform or stabilized often at a new lower level
—usually used with out
prices flattening out
flat·ten·er
ˈflat(ᵊ)nə(r)
plural -s
: one that flattens: such as
a
: a worker who flattens materials (as metal, leather, paper, or glass)
b
: a machine for flattening or straightening plates or sheets
Cite this Entry
“Flatten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flatten. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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