level 1 of 3

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

Relevance

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

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 dueling biplanes from the climax exist on this level, too, even if Gabriel is essentially twirling his moustache and tying a dame to train tracks. Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 30 May 2025 In 2022 there was another surge in homers (1.03 per game) to near 1998 levels. Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Verb
There’s another game to play on Wednesday, with the Panthers trying to level the best-of-7 series. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 6 May 2025 This comes after years of criticism leveled at the flagship drag competition franchise RuPaul’s Drag Race, which has yet to feature a drag artist who has entered and competed as a drag king. Mikelle Street, Them., 2 May 2025
Adjective
Tottenham were suddenly level late in the first half and never looked back. Jack Pitt-Brooke, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024 If the players are level after 14 classical games, a tie-break will be played on December 13. Eduardo Tansley, The Athletic, 23 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for level
Recent Examples of Synonyms for level
Noun
  • A day after going 1-of-15 with runners in scoring position and leaving 13 on base, Florida had stranded 10 runners on base at the time of Holtorf’s homer.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 May 2025
  • Delray Beach commissioners and DDA board members may be in a unique position to find and cultivate future board members who represent the aforementioned.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • House Republicans were split on the matter as their caucus has called for a two-year wage freeze for state employees in order to balance the state budget currently being negotiated as the regular legislative session’s June 4 adjournment approaches.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 21 May 2025
  • Diorio said the increase was necessary to balance the budget amid federal cuts and economic uncertainty.
    Nora O’Neill, Charlotte Observer, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • But Ventura alleged that Combs was not in the mood to smooth things over.
    Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 22 May 2025
  • Team personnel filled the gap and smoothed it over to create a flat surface.
    Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • The prestigious pilot initiative, developed by South Africa’s Big World Cinema in collaboration with the Bertha Foundation, aims to tackle persistent industry barriers faced by mid-career African film and television producers.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 21 May 2025
  • The fruit of two years of research, the project aims to chronicle the legendary tenor’s life from his boyhood in Modena, Italy, to his confirmation as a star at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in the 1970s.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • The town of London, 75 miles south of Lexington, was devastated − with entire neighborhoods razed with homes reduced to rubble, downed power lines and cars flipped and strewn onto yards.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • Meanwhile, Russian forces have downed 75 Ukrainian drones in the past 24 hours, TASS, a Russian state news agency, reported Sunday, citing Russia’s defense ministry.
    Caitlin Danaher, CNN Money, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Facing greater competition and sensing more opportunity, the owners decided to close the hotel at the end of May and demolish the building next year.
    Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 20 May 2025
  • Its current office building in the area would be demolished.
    Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Considered one of the state’s best beach towns, Biloxi is known for its picturesque sand and calm waters that are protected by barrier islands just south of the beach in the Gulf of Mexico.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 23 May 2025
  • It's also infused with prebiotic oats, which support healthy skin and calm irritations like eczema.
    Laura Lu, Parents, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Illinois cities Peoria and Decatur top the ranking in affordability, according to SmartAsset.
    Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 30 May 2025
  • European countries dominate global rankings of healthcare systems characterized by universal access and defining health as a right rather than a commodity.
    RSM Discovery, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Level.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/level. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on level

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!