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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

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
But every age group's total contributions remain above 2023 levels, the report showed. —Medora Lee, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026 Thirteen pooled trials represents a meaningfully stronger level of evidence than a single small study. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
Ion has been squatting in the basement of an apartment building, which is set to be levelled to make way for a luxury hotel called the Kontinental Boutique. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026 Airport officials say that, right now, the sidewalks dip at the ends and are level in the middle, and crews will be working to level the entire sidewalk. —Brian Sherrod, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
L’Oréal Paris’ Voluminous Panorama Mascara has a multi-level one that’s firmer and wider at the base and tapers into a thinner and more flexible tip. —Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 18 Mar. 2026 Firefighters arrived to heavy fire in a multi-level building on College Point Boulevard. —Joanna Moriello, New York Daily News, 17 Mar. 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. calm
  8. ranking
Noun
  • Rocker got off to a rocky start in the first inning after a ball slipped past the glove of Josh Jung, followed by a wild pitch, which put a runner in scoring position with only one out, before back-to-back singles by Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart netted the Reds their first two runs of the game.
    — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Twenty-five candidates filed for nine Legislature positions, including 17 Democrats and eight Republicans.
    — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2026
Definition of position
Verb
  • Turkey has tried to maintain a balancing role since the Iran war began, condemning attacks that threaten regional stability while keeping channels open with Tehran.
    — Steve Mollman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
  • This pink ombré set balances the shorter nail with a slightly bolder pop of color.
    — Grace McCarty, Glamour, 30 Mar. 2026
Definition of balance
Verb
  • Scrape batter into prepared baking sheet and, using a medium offset spatula, gently spread to edges, smoothing surface.
    — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026
  • This collagen cream can help even out dark spots and smooth your skin for a healthy, luminous complexion.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2026
Definition of smooth
Verb
  • During oral arguments, several conservative justices questioned the legal foundation and practical enforcement of the policy, which aims to deny citizenship to some children born in the United States to undocumented or temporary immigrant parents.
    — Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The program is part of Film Independent’s broader Artist Development initiatives, which aim to support emerging filmmakers through labs, mentorship and grants.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of aim
Verb
  • Report downed power lines to the police.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Birdville downs rival Richland Matthew Moore allowed 1 earned run while scattering 2 hits across 5 innings to lead North Richland Hills Birdville past North Richland Hills Richland 3-2 in a District 6-5A showdown on Tuesday night at Richland High School.
    — Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of down
Verb
  • The project, which was announced by the White House in July, became a highly controversial undertaking when the East Wing was suddenly demolished to accommodate the 90,000 square foot ballroom.
    — Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The Panorama City facility is set to demolish its main ice rink, leaving athletes who use the center with a smaller, non-regulation rink.
    — Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Definition of demolish
Adjective
  • The spa The Retreat spa is the incredibly calm, beating heart of this property.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Then the lights went out in the store, and one of the clerks shrieked in the dark, and another told her to remain calm.
    — Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
Definition of calm
Noun
  • FishBooker searched throughout the nation for the best lakes for anglers and came up with this ranking that includes waters in Colorado and the beautiful environment of Idaho.
    — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado April 3, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Our writers make their picks Shortly before FIFA issued their new rankings, Nick Miller and Tim Spiers put themselves in harm’s way by ranking all 48 World Cup teams for us (this caused hell in the comments – feel free to shout at them, too).
    — Phil Hay, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Definition of ranking

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 5 Apr. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on level

Nglish: Translation of level for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about level

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