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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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
What followed was an international scandal that entangled sport, politics, diplomacy, and media pressure at the highest level. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 Apr. 2026 That variability, Chen argues, highlights some of the surface-level limitations. Michal Ruprecht, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
Brugge leveled in the 64th when Tian Koren’s surging run and low cross across the goal was met by Tobias Lund Jensen. ABC News, 20 Apr. 2026 There was significant public opposition at a hearing this winter where Parkers Place outlined its plan to level much of a 7-acre woodlands and build a complex with two-bedroom apartments. Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Tillman is a mid-level, mainstream Republican operative who has worked mostly at the state level. Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2026 Garden walls don't have to be completely level. Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for level
Recent Examples of Synonyms for level
Noun
  • The team was 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position before Caballero’s eighth-inning double.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • These travel résumés detail everything from a client’s board positions to whether they’re accompanied by young, noisy children or less-disruptive older teens.
    Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The two fruits balance each other, allowing each to shine equally in this seasonal treat.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Tourist taxes are common across Europe, with cities like Venice, Paris and Seville using similar systems to balance the benefits of tourism with its challenges.
    Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Don’t rely on tone or timing to smooth it over.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Made with 61 percent cotton, 35 percent Tencel and 4 percent elastmultiester, the fabrics give garments a soft drape away from the body while maintaining the stretch, structure and smoothing properties.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • United currently aim to make four major signings, including an experienced striker and a left-back, with Tyrell Malacia departing and Luke Shaw needing to be rested more given the addition of midweek games.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Organized by the Malta Film Commission, the festival is set to grow in both scale and ambition this year, with an enlarged program of screenings, industry events and cultural offerings aimed at strengthening Malta’s role as an international filmmaking hub.
    Kennedy French, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Report downed power lines to the police.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Did anyone order up Josh Allen downing a brewski for the boys?
    Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Gil Rivera, director of building, economic and community development, said Target has already submitted permits to demolish the current structure.
    Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
  • The hotel building is expected to be demolished within the next month.
    Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The feature is set in British Columbia, largely in the span of a summer during the nineteen-nineties, in a calm residential suburb on the ruggedly alluring Vancouver Island.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
  • This is altered by telehealth, which allows patients to start this delicate procedure in a calm, secure and private setting.
    Lucy Jones April 11, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • His idea was that once teams were eliminated from playoff contention, wins from that point on would count towards draft ranking points, with teams that accumulate the most such points getting the highest draft picks.
    Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 17 Apr. 2026
  • This year, the county’s overall quality of life ranking dropped to the lowest point in one survey’s 11-year history.
    Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Level.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/level. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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