1
as in to smooth
to make free from breaks, curves, or bumps
flattened out the wrinkled paper before attempting to trace the pattern
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to bury
to defeat by a large margin
if you don't understand the rules, you're going to get flattened when you try to play
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of flatten
Entire neighborhoods in areas such as La Guaira and Caracas have been flattened, with more than hundreds of buildings damaged or destroyed in preliminary satellite assessments.
—
Verónica Egui Brito
july 1,
Miami Herald,
1 July 2026
Jason Henry | Bloomberg | Getty Images Overall mortgage demand essentially flattened last week, as interest rates continue to hover in a narrow range.
—
Diana Olick,
CNBC,
1 July 2026
Big earthquakes flatten buildings into rubble the same way everywhere.
—
Gisela Salim-Peyer,
The Atlantic,
1 July 2026
The government says at least 1,750 people were killed in the quakes, which flattened or damaged more than 850 buildings, injuring thousands and leaving some 16,000 homeless.
—
Deisy Buitrago,
USA Today,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for flatten
Verónica Egui Brito
july 1,
Miami Herald,
1 July 2026
Jason Henry | Bloomberg | Getty Images Overall mortgage demand essentially flattened last week, as interest rates continue to hover in a narrow range.
—
Diana Olick,
CNBC,
1 July 2026
Big earthquakes flatten buildings into rubble the same way everywhere.
—
Gisela Salim-Peyer,
The Atlantic,
1 July 2026
The government says at least 1,750 people were killed in the quakes, which flattened or damaged more than 850 buildings, injuring thousands and leaving some 16,000 homeless.
—
Deisy Buitrago,
USA Today,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for flatten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flatten
Verb
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The hair at the crown is smoothed back but not slick—in fact, there’s a decent amount of volume up top—with virtually no visible part.
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Dual suspension helps smooth rough trails, hydraulic disc brakes provide dependable stopping power in changing conditions, and four-inch fat tires improve traction across gravel, dirt, sand, and pavement.
Verb
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But instead of trying to make the turn, Diene laid the ball off for Baker, who buried a one-timer into the left side of the net.
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In addition, the group plans to bury a time capsule on July 4 in Philadelphia to be opened on America's 500th birthday in 2276.
Verb
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The rookie point guard overcame early shooting struggles to lead all scorers with 25 points.
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The telecommunications giant’s fight to end landline service is playing out in the FCC and federal court, amid an underlying battle over how much power the agency has to overcome decisions by states.
Verb
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Marlins starter Ryan Gusto tossed 3 1/3 scoreless innings before giving way to John King (6-1), who threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings against his former team.
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Kirby Yates threw a 1-2-3 ninth for his 100th career save and second this season.
Verb
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Scotland carried the ball for 13 phases to enter Argentina's 22 and Hutchinson whipped an accurate long pass to Tuipulotu on the right wing who scored untouched.
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Olise kept his intentions hidden to the last, shaping up to cross the ball to the back post before sharply turning his hips and whipping his pass into the goalscorer’s path, breaking two defensive lines along the way.
Verb
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After easing through the first three innings, Bryan Reynolds hit a double off the top of the left field fence and Valdez bombed one to left to cut the Phillies' lead to 5-2.
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There is a bond there that is strong enough, that overwhelming loneliness is bombed.
Verb
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Instead, El Fasher was annihilated.
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Chess is about annihilating your opponent.
Verb
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Raquel got the early advantage and smothered Maxxine in the corner.
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Whether they’re smothered in pepper jelly, doused in barbecue sauce, or wrapped in bacon, appetizers are your chance to set the tone and impress your guests (because, let’s face it, nothing beats the satisfaction of compliments on your spread).
Cite this Entry
“Flatten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flatten. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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