even 1 of 3

adverb

Definition of evennext
1
as in certainly
not merely this but also the blue whale is a huge, even awesome animal by any measure

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in quite
to a full extent or degree I will love you even to the end of time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

even

2 of 3

adjective

ˈē-vən How to pronounce even (audio)
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
as in plane
having a surface without bends, breaks, or irregularities let's find an even stretch of ground to pitch our tent

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in identical
resembling another in every respect the armies of the two countries are fairly even

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
That sentiment is even stronger now than in 2022, when Lula benefited from widespread opposition to Jair Bolsonaro after a presidency marked by controversy over his government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026 The fans even cheered his bullpen session there before Game 1. — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Dollop the batter into the prepared pan and smooth into an even layer. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2026 By Wednesday, high temps across the Central Valley are set for the low 70s or even 60s as clouds move overhead and the occasional raindrop falls. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
Great organizations could build dynasties more easily before free agency and the salary cap evened the playing field starting in 1993. — Mike Sando, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026 On Friday, however, as the Dodgers evened the series with a 3-1 win against the Milwaukee Brewers, history didn’t repeat itself. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for even
Recent Examples of Synonyms for even
  1. certainly
  2. quite
  3. exact
  4. level
  5. identical
  6. steady
  7. smooth
  8. equate
Adverb
  • While the iPhone Duo’s software certainly felt much smoother and more fluid than Android alternatives, many of its core features have been available on Samsung or Google phones for years.
    — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026
  • From broader cultural debates, including race and equity, to how the league enforces its rules, there are certainly things the new WNBA commissioner will need to address next season and beyond.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of certainly
Adverb
  • But now, as everything online morphs into algorithmic social media, the case for concern has crystallized into something quite specific.
    — Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Few sports have embraced the pursuit of new audiences quite like F1, the motorsport league acquired by Liberty Media nearly a decade ago.
    — Sam Jacobs, Time, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of quite
Adjective
  • Undoubtedly, the biggest blow was the announcement that the kingdom is postponing its flagship investment conference, the Future Investment Initiative, until next year, although no exact date has been set.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
  • His work is crisp, playful, and nostalgic, replicating the exact fonts and presentations of centuries-old stylings for businesses and public parks alike.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of exact
Adjective
  • The multi-level hillside property is accessible via two separate street entrances, one in the front and the other by the rear two-car garage.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2026
  • With multiple functions, the shafts drew fresh air down into the multi-level complexes, and also continued below the lowest floor, reaching groundwater and serving as deep wells.
    — Maya Chawla, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of level
Adjective
  • Currently the Swingers menus are more or less identical across both locations, though Wilson expects to introduce unique daily specials at each.
    — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • During the 1998 Massachusetts governor’s race, political scientist Ted Brader ran a study that embedded campaign ads in a news broadcast and changed only the music and images, keeping the words identical.
    — Monique Mitchell Turner, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of identical
Adjective
  • Because the switching happens thousands of times a second, the device can hold voltage steady, absorb a disturbance or operate in reverse, pushing power backward from batteries toward the grid.
    — Alex Pasternack, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • What everyday movements reveal Standing from a chair requires a stable base, enough ankle and hip mobility to shift your weight forward, lower body and core strength to lift yourself, and balance to keep you steady.
    — Dana Santas, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of steady
Verb
  • But so will filters offering subtle beautification effects — such as smoothing skin tone or adding a slight eye glow.
    — Chloe Veltman, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Together, these efforts can help smooth the often difficult path from the first unexplained symptoms to an accurate diagnosis, while reducing the risk of both misdiagnosis and unnecessary delays.
    — Bruce Bebo, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of smooth
Verb
  • Magnus Taylor, deputy Horn of Africa director at the International Crisis Group, cautioned against equating the loss of towns with an end to fighting.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
  • However, other analysts have expressed concerns about assuming that take-or-pay legal structures are iron-clad and about equating backlogs with revenue.
    — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of equate

Phrases Containing even

Browse Nearby Words

eve
even
evened
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Cite this Entry

“Even.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/even. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about even

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