level 1 of 3

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
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level

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adjective

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
My general intuition is that the rank and file at most of these labs probably are pretty similar, and that a lot of the differences are really at the executive level. Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026 Both figures, Mamdani and Mero, grew their influence up from the ground level and make for an optimistic vision for the future. Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
But Adkins maintains that the move, not entirely unexpected, did not level his band. Gary Graff, Billboard, 10 Feb. 2026 Villa had to lean on defensive resilience after Rayan dribbled past Lucas Digne’s ghost-like defending to level the scores. Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Chief among the latter is his region’s unnamed UNO (Upazila Nirbahi Officer), a wily mid-level bureaucrat who presents herself as Jahir’s direct line to the big guns, and persistently pulls rank on him with a disarming megawatt smile. Guy Lodge, Variety, 9 Feb. 2026 Don’t miss the iconic multi-level Flagler Tavern (and its upstairs speakeasy), waterfront dining at The Grille at Riverview, or a meal at The Breakers, a local landmark featuring a charming pink exterior and more than 100 years of history. Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for level
Recent Examples of Synonyms for level
Noun
  • The tech driving my first clumsy steps included a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) and GPS sensors monitoring each ski’s position and the weight and angle of my heel.
    Kendall Hunter, Outside, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Commissioners can improve cooperation by involving local governments earlier, being clear about constraints and listening before positions harden.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Finally, a justice has to bring practical judgment to balancing competing interests when the legal text does not settle an issue, or the court acts as the leader for the entire state judiciary.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 2026
  • In buttered pasta, the slight tang balances the richness of the sauce, giving it extra dimension.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Appealing Venus is parading into your 6th House of Habits, bringing sweetness to routines and smoothing dynamics, which suits a diplomatic style of handling events.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 10 Feb. 2026
  • To smooth the transition, start making changes earlier in the day, Popp suggested.
    Jamie Ducharme, Health, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The company aims to maintain production continuity to assist workers with repetitive, physically demanding tasks while upholding quality and safety standards.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
  • While the rest of the Orlando locker room will take some time off during the week-long break to prepare for the final stretch of the regular season, Richardson will be out west aiming to live up to the dunk contest legacy of his father.
    Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Keller eases past Eaton in finale Keller got 14 points from Mia Arnold as the Indians downed Haslet Eaton 47-40 in a District 4-6A contest.
    Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Report downed power lines to the police.
    Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The former Portage Township Schools Administration building will be the first to be demolished this spring when workers begin preparing to build the new Aylesworth Middle School.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The village is demolishing homes to make way for the redevelopment and will relocate residents elsewhere on campus, Timberlake said.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • De-escalate using calm leadership to keep discussions productive and focused.
    Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The day will remain mostly sunny, with calm winds.
    Adam Del Rosso, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The Jets’ ranking fell from 21st in 2023 to 29th in 2024.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The highest ranking of those, Hepp, was accused of not ensuring staff members were properly trained on the prison's policies and procedures – including documenting when a resident's water is turned off and meals are missed.
    Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 12 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Level.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/level. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.

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