level 1 of 3

noun

ˈle-vəl How to pronounce level (audio)
Definition of levelnext
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

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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

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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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to down
to strike (someone) so forcefully as to cause a fall the boxer leveled his opponent with a single blow

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5
as in to demolish
to destroy (as a building) completely by knocking down or breaking to pieces an old warehouse that was leveled to build a parking lot

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

level

3 of 3

adjective

1
as in plane
having a surface without bends, breaks, or irregularities looked for a level place to land the plane

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in calm
free from emotional or mental agitation in a much more level mood now that the worst is over

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 level
Noun
Tide levels will continue to rise with King Tide Cycle in place through the upcoming work-week. — Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026 Brown, Gibbs argued, has the experience necessary to represent rural Ohioans at the federal level. — Saige Miller, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
Breakker delivered a devastating spear to Evans, leveling him into the barricade. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026 The city awoke two days later to find almost 18,000 buildings destroyed, much of the city leveled, 90,000 people homeless and 300-some people dead. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
Adjective
That's because the micro-level contest-specific data is lagging behind the macro-level national data. — Nathan Gonzales Cq-Roll Call, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026 Because if clubs like Manchester City are allowed to play by their own set of rules, the level playing field will always be tilted in their favor. — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for level
Recent Examples of Synonyms for level
  1. position
  2. balance
  3. smooth
  4. aim
  5. down
  6. demolish
  7. exact
  8. calm
Noun
  • An analyst with a position on an outcome has an interest in that outcome.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The expectations around Austin are to put themselves in a position that could lead to a postseason run.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of position
Verb
  • In their letter, the bishops attempted to balance human dignity and a right for governments to humanely protect borders.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The sample was balanced across key demographic groups—including age, gender and region to ensure broad representation before aggregating responses to highlight the top state choices.
    — Gagandeep Singh, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of balance
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
  • By increasing its manufacturing capacity, the company aims to strengthen its ability to deliver advanced systems to customers.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The florist, which aims to open in late November, will specialize in seasonal floral arrangements and specialty bouquets.
    — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of aim
Verb
  • The crisis capped a week of severe weather in which rain swamped dozens of homes in Utah and tornadoes blew off roofs, knocked trees onto houses and downed power lines in Arizona.
    — MEAD GRUVER, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Even so, the government abruptly downed hundreds of trees on the course with little warning earlier this month, which critics worry was a pretext for beginning renovations.
    — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of down
Verb
  • The building’s owner previously told The Star the building would not be demolished and that it could be redeveloped.
    — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The 18-year-old female elephant got loose from her handler outside her enclosure, then went on the run, demolishing the door of a saloon on North Avenue, smashing in the window of another and walking through the fence around a vacant lot.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of demolish
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
  • This week, curfews were imposed in some cities to help maintain calm.
    — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
  • There’s also a level of anxiety about potential confrontations at the polls, but so far, local elections officials say things are calm.
    — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of calm

Phrases Containing level

Browse Nearby Words

levees
level
leveled
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on level

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about level

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