flat 1 of 3

adjective

ˈflat How to pronounce flat (audio)
Definition of flatnext
1
as in exact
being neither more nor less than a certain amount, number, or extent industrial growth has been a flat two percent for each of the last four quarters

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in boring
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest a flat portrayal of Benjamin Franklin in the new TV series

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in plane
having a surface without bends, breaks, or irregularities preferred riding her bike on a flat road

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in stable
having been established and usually not subject to change charged a flat rate for priority shipping

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in simple
having no exceptions or restrictions a flat denial of the charges

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in matte
lacking a surface luster or gloss used a flat paint for the condo's interior walls

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in bland
lacking in qualities that make for spirit and character a dull, flat reading of a story that was really quite exciting

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in thin
lacking in taste or flavor this pasta dish tastes a little flat

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

flat

2 of 3

adverb

as in completely
to a full extent or degree I am flat broke this week

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

flat

3 of 3

noun

chiefly British
as in apartment
a room or set of rooms in a private house or a block used as a separate dwelling place had to take on a third roommate in order to afford the bigger flat

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective flat contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of flat are even, level, plane, and smooth. While all these words mean "having a surface without bends, curves, or irregularities," flat applies to a surface devoid of noticeable curvatures, prominences, or depressions.

the work surface must be flat

When would even be a good substitute for flat?

In some situations, the words even and flat 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 is it sensible to use level instead of flat?

The words level and flat can be used in similar contexts, but level applies to a horizontal surface that lies on a line parallel with the horizon.

the vast prairies are nearly level

Where would plane be a reasonable alternative to flat?

While in some cases nearly identical to flat, 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 smooth a more appropriate choice than flat?

The words smooth and flat are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 flat
Adjective
Full-colour, touch-sensitive display The screens that people are familiar with, such as those on phones and laptops, typically present graphical user interfaces (GUIs) on flat, rigid panels that display information and enable interaction. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026 The time period is vaguely medieval and the accents British, save for Skarsgård, who speaks in a flat, neutral exhale, the sound of breeze riffling through straw. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Adverb
Of course, those tires were severely flat-spotted and had to be changed, but that’s better than damaging the car’s bodywork or suspension. — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 24 Sep. 2026 My dad had started hunting the open farm fields of western Wisconsin and wanted a powerful and flat-shooting rifle (this was in a time before laser rangefinders). — John B. Snow, Outdoor Life, 24 Sep. 2026
Noun
Consider this your cue to put your favorite flats on the back burner and slip into a pair of pumps instead. — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026 Day's gamble paid off, as Sayin found a wide-open Bo Jackson in the flat for a touchdown, putting Ohio State up 10-7. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flat
  1. exact
  2. boring
  3. smooth
  4. stable
  5. simple
  6. matte
  7. bland
  8. thin
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
  • Let’s start with tracking Savu, where, because of the tiny tribes, the most obvious and boring thing ends up happening.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Smith is betting that in a market where every phone looks the same, the bigger risk is being boring.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of boring
Adjective
  • Each time a shutter fires, and each time a tire squeals, involves countless pieces working together to deliver a smooth outcome.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Scientists expected the asteroid’s surface to be a smooth, sandy sphere where OSIRIS-REx could seamlessly touch down.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of smooth
Adjective
  • Taiwan remains the most explosive issue in the relationship—and its very danger is what creates the mutual incentive to keep it stable.
    — Ningrong Liu, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The suspect was listed in stable condition at the hospital, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of stable
Adjective
  • The actor wore a long black leather coat over a simple black tank, paired with straight-leg blue jeans cinched with a leather belt.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The company played with flexible workdays instead of rigid schedules, clearer windows for collaboration, simpler rules for meetings, better ways to share and document work, and more intentional reasons for coming together in person.
    — Deborah Lovich, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • The finish is a semi-matte—smooth, satin, and shine-free—that looks looks like velvet on the lips.
    — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Its 85-inch QLED display features a highly matte anti-glare screen, so your art and movies look lifelike without annoying reflections.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 11 Mar. 2026
Definition of matte
Adjective
  • However, this new research suggests that this slightly bland and uniform appearance is because no white dwarf is close enough for Earthbound astronomers to see their true colors.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The high-wire act that followed—in which performers had to make these bland conceits into something funny without, ostensibly, preparing any jokes in advance—introduced a tension that made sketch shows feel sedate and uneven by comparison.
    — Dan Brooks, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of bland
Adjective
  • With fewer trainees at the start of the talent pipeline, organizations are likely to face a thinner shortlist for the CFO seat in the future.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The Rams are already thin at receiver in the wake of a hamstring injury suffered by Davante Adams during the Rams’ 18-16 defeat by the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday.
    — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of thin

Phrases Containing flat

Browse Nearby Words

flasks
flat
flatboat
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flat. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on flat

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about flat

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of milieu

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
different halloween monsters in silhouette
A Monstrous Vocab Quiz Words That Go Bump in the Night
See All