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

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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

Examples 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
Operating nationwide, the fire watch security guards from Fast Fire Watch Guards provide an unparalleled level of service. Kyle Russell, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024 These additives, along with high levels of sugar, salt and fat, help create the overwhelming lure of ultraprocessed foods. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
The Trump administration is sure to shun multilateral trade deals and make bilateral agreements that are heavy on tariffs and focus on restricting U.S. market access and leveling the balance of trade. Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024 Just like Vinicius in grounds across Spain, however, Lamine did not deserve the racist abuse leveled at him which can be heard in videos shared on X, formerly known as Twitter. Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024
Adjective
Rather than having a level indicator on the base, there is just a blue line on the seat itself to tell when the seat is level, which didn’t really please our tester. Jessica Booth, Parents, 14 Feb. 2024 The paved trail passes through Dublin pretty much in a straight line and is absolutely level, running along the 1890s Southern Pacific Railroad right-of-way. John Metcalfe, The Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for level 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for level
Noun
  • Drawing on experience The board position is Fischer’s debut in Arizona water politics.
    Austin Corona, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Shostakovich did not absent-mindedly stumble into a position of lasting cultural power.
    Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Eisner balances those personal reflections with one of Zimbardo’s final interviews, a telling one that anchors the final episode.
    Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Add a bit of Sichuan pepper oil to spicy dressings or sauces, or drizzle over stir-fries, stews, and salads just before serving to balance the heat.
    Megan Zhang, Saveur, 13 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Zoom in: Both Thune and Cornyn have had rocky relationships with former President Trump but have worked hard to smooth them over.
    Stef W. Kight, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024
  • Notably, both Thune and Cornyn have had rocky relationships with Trump but have worked hard to smooth them over.
    Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The company remains committed to sustainability and social impact, with initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024
  • A number of volunteers with Ligue des Droits de l'Homme, or the Human Rights League, a French organization that aims to observe and defend human rights, were stationed outside the stadium to observe police forces’ handling of the event.
    Chantal Da Silva, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The historic bomb cyclone, which has already claimed two lives, downed trees, and triggered widespread power outages in the Pacific Northwest, now presents a complex challenge for travelers across the country.
    Jim Foerster, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
  • The National Weather Service (NWS) in Seattle issued high wind warnings on Tuesday extending into the early hours of Wednesday as gale force winds with gusts over 65 miles per hour downed trees and toppled power lines across the region.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The Lions demolished the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, putting up at least 50 points on their opponent for the second time this season.
    Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Instead, Israel has conducted a campaign of broad devastation in Gaza, attacking the territory’s civilian population; demolishing its health, educational, and social infrastructure; and destroying its food production, shelter, and sources of potable water.
    John Spencer, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Plus this episode also delivers peak unhinged Lex while he's stranded on an island post-plane crash and suffering from malaria, which leads to a moment that teases his natural killer instincts that he's kept so well hidden from Clark, and the world, so far.
    Christian Holub, EW.com, 16 Oct. 2021
  • But those cars were powered by pushrod engines with conventional cross-plane cranks.
    Rich Ceppos, Car and Driver, 2 Oct. 2022
Adjective
  • In years where solar activity is calmer, pockets of cold air form high in the atmosphere, which results in colder winters and stronger easterly winds over northern Europe and the northern U.S..
    Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 7 Nov. 2024
  • The first night was calm and he was just getting used to his new environment, but the next morning everything was different.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near level

Cite this Entry

“Level.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/level. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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