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

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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

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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
5

level

3 of 3

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
The Bank of Japan was reported to have intervened in currency markets in late March and early April after the yen weakened past the politically sensitive 160 level, as surging oil import costs widened Japan's current account deficit and stoked fears of a depreciation spiral. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 19 May 2026 In a statement, Raffensperger rejected claims that observers were being improperly excluded and said vote counting takes place at the county level, not in the Secretary of State's Election Night reporting space. CBS News, 19 May 2026
Verb
When the remnants of Typhoon Halong’s flood water receded last October, entire villages in western Alaska had been leveled by the storm. Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 17 May 2026 By giving them access to infrastructure once reserved for larger organizations, Spectech platforms are beginning to level the playing field. Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Adjective
Lens should already have been level — or even ahead — at the break but striker Wesley Saïd misjudged a close-range header and then shot straight at goalkeeper Matvei Safonov in first-half stoppage time. ABC News, 13 May 2026 Chopard’s charming—and chiming—Beehive Clock, a table clock standing nearly a foot tall with seven tiers of rounded glass segments encircling a multi-level mechanical movement, stood out among the new releases for the same reason the Nautilus desk watch (Ref. Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for level
Recent Examples of Synonyms for level
Noun
  • The position is modeled after a similar concierge role in the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
    P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
  • The idea of a managerial change in October if Liverpool stick with Slot through the off-season feels ominous, because a couple of poor early results will bring back the negativity currently engulfing the club and his position will become untenable.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • Yes, there can be an artistry to nailing the dough, balancing the sauce, and assembling a thoughtful or even surprising mix of high-quality toppings.
    Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026
  • Alasdair McLellan shot the portraits and a series of trailers that portray Jung Kook as a modern icon embodying the freedom of the open road, uniting fashion and entertainment to create an immersive world that balances his larger-than-life impact with Calvin Klein’s point of view.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • The award-winning Star Flower Niacinamide serum contains thousands of sparkling micro pearls, each packed with fresh, nutrient-rich actives for concentrated calming benefits and deep hydration to smooth the look of pores and fine lines.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 May 2026
  • He has not been smoothed by the sandpaper of Washington just yet.
    Rob Crilly, The Washington Examiner, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • Some of Thomas’s critique appeared to be aimed at weak-willed conservatives, including his fellow-Justices, for being, as Thomas perceives it, too spineless to stand up for the ideals enshrined in the Declaration.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 21 May 2026
  • Organizers of the flotilla, which aimed to highlight the conditions for the 2 million or so Palestinians in Gaza, said Israeli soldiers fired on five boats during the interdictions, causing some damage.
    Nick Duffy, NBC news, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • The scare followed a NATO jet downing a Ukrainian drone over Estonia and a string of stray drones over Baltic states, deepening anxiety along the alliance’s vulnerable eastern flank.
    Liudas Dapkus, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
  • The allegations stem from 1996, when Castro allegedly ordered the downing two civilian planes providing humanitarian aid, killing four.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • There, on the Hudson River waterfront, David Wojnarowicz wrote poems and painted murals alongside Luis Frangella and Mike Bidlo, while Peter Hujar and Dirk Rowntree photographed scenes of impromptu happenings and performances, before the site was demolished in 1984.
    Natalia Torija, Curbed, 14 May 2026
  • Playing in Cincinnati, just about 100 miles away from his hometown of Louisville, Daylen Lile demolished a home run in the 10th inning on Wednesday to help the Washington Nationals earn an 8-7 comeback win over the Cincinnati Reds.
    Danielle Allentuck, Washington Post, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Your calm precision can keep the whole plan from wobbling.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026
  • The outset of war finds her wary yet calm, and our knowledge of her composure under siege means that all following emotional displays shake us like miniature earthquakes.
    Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 16 May 2026
Noun
  • However, there is no definitive national ranking from 2013 showing Los Angeles and New York City tied as the safest big cities in the country.
    James Ward, USA Today, 15 May 2026
  • The slightly lower ranking came amid recent La Nina conditions, which typically cause a temporary dip in global average temperatures.
    Dan Peck, ABC News, 14 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Level.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/level. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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