1
as in smoothing
to make free from breaks, curves, or bumps
flattened out the wrinkled paper before attempting to trace the pattern
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in whipping
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 flattening
What’s most gratifying is the extent to which the filmmakers sought practical solutions and physical sets rather than relying solely on the digital toolbox or flattening the action with endless green-screen sequences.
—
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026
The Embrace Series Insoles are crafted to mimic the cloud-like feel of memory foam without flattening over time, working to maintain continuous adaptability while rebounding with each step.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026
According to fabric care expert Alicia Sokolowski, ironing is ideal for creating crisp creases, flattening heavy wrinkles, and shaping structured garments like dress shirts, cotton, linen, or denim.
—Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 19 Feb. 2026
But the film’s indifference to questions of authenticity ends flattening one of the story’s most uncomfortable and essential truths.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
Compression packing cubes, in particular, are critical for saving space and flattening clothes as much as possible.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2026
Meanwhile, far from trending toward retail domination, US e-commerce growth is flattening.
—Greg Petro, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Many tech companies have spent recent years flattening their structure by cutting middle management at a record rate.
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 23 Jan. 2026
Results were flattening, automatic promotion hopes were fading and, in the winter window, striker Emmanuel Latte Lath was sold to Atlanta United of MLS.
—Michael Walker, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026
The Embrace Series Insoles are crafted to mimic the cloud-like feel of memory foam without flattening over time, working to maintain continuous adaptability while rebounding with each step.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026
According to fabric care expert Alicia Sokolowski, ironing is ideal for creating crisp creases, flattening heavy wrinkles, and shaping structured garments like dress shirts, cotton, linen, or denim.
—Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 19 Feb. 2026
But the film’s indifference to questions of authenticity ends flattening one of the story’s most uncomfortable and essential truths.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
Compression packing cubes, in particular, are critical for saving space and flattening clothes as much as possible.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2026
Meanwhile, far from trending toward retail domination, US e-commerce growth is flattening.
—Greg Petro, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Many tech companies have spent recent years flattening their structure by cutting middle management at a record rate.
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 23 Jan. 2026
Results were flattening, automatic promotion hopes were fading and, in the winter window, striker Emmanuel Latte Lath was sold to Atlanta United of MLS.
—Michael Walker, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flattening
Verb
-
They’re made with the brand’s signature 360-degree smoothing panel design and gentle compression for comfy, easy-to-wear bottoms.—
Melony Forcier,
InStyle,
13 Mar. 2026
-
The Levi's 318 Shaping Wide-leg Jeans feature a smoothing panel that streamlines the fit through the waist, balanced by a wide-leg silhouette.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The high waist bunched a little when seated, but it was hardly cause for breaking focus when attempting an inversion (the whipping wind, however, was another story).—
Talia Abbas,
Vogue,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Taylor also weighed in on keeping her cool on stage when things go wrong, such as embracing her wig flying off and whipping it around her head, the proper form for double-dutching and having patience in Hollywood.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Avoid burying it too deep in the soil, or the tree may die.—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
10 Mar. 2026
-
All the Little Animals is a small movie about a young man (Bale) with brain damage suffered in a car accident who comes across a gentle older man (John Hurt) who spends his days burying animals killed on the side of the road.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This prototype may offer a sustainable solution for long-term exploration on Earth and other planets by overcoming the need for batteries.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Founded by a young mother overcoming thyroid cancer, the brand was created to inspire hope, strength and faith during life’s hardest seasons.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Iran’s ballistic missiles and nuclear ambitions threaten the West — a threat so serious that the United States and Israel have been bombing the regime for more than two weeks.—
Alexander Gray,
Washington Post,
19 Mar. 2026
-
The decision was widely anticipated after the United States and Israel started bombing Iran less than three weeks ago.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
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With 52 seconds left, Northfield junior Paris Taylor swooped in for an offensive rebound and a put-back, trimming the Falcons’ lead to 49-47.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
14 Mar. 2026
-
The Bee Cave City Council on Tuesday approved changes to the city’s tree trimming ordinance that would allow owners to trim trees on their property without a permit.—
Naina Srivastava,
Austin American Statesman,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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With Brubaker already capable of throwing multiple innings, Lucchesi’s presence in this specific bullpen may be a bit redundant.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
15 Mar. 2026
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The incident is the latest in a years-long and growing trend of concertgoers throwing objects at artists during live performances.—
Jessica Lynch,
Billboard,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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McNeese secured a March Madness bid by upsetting SFA in the Southland conference tournament, winning the school’s third consecutive Southland championship.—
Ryan Brennan
March 16,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 Mar. 2026
-
McNeese secured a March Madness bid by upsetting SFA in the Southland Conference Tournament.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Flattening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flattening. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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