level
24 synonyms and 3 antonyms for level, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Flat and even; at the same height throughout, or matching a given height.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use level
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French livel/nivel, from Latin libella, "a small balance or level tool," a diminutive of libra, "a balance, a pair of scales."
Full origin of level →Frequently asked questions
What does “level” mean?
The word “level” means flat and even; at the same height throughout, or matching a given height. In plain terms, flat and even, a stage or standard on some scale, or the act of making something flat or knocking it down.
How do you pronounce “level”?
“Level” is pronounced LEH-vuhl (/ˈlɛvəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “level” in a sentence?
Here is “level” used in a sentence: “Make sure the shelf is level before you fix it in place.”
What is the opposite of “level”?
The opposite of “level” — its antonyms — are tilted, unbalanced and uneven.
What part of speech is “level”?
Depending on how it is used, “level” can be an adjective, a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “level” come from?
The word “level” comes from Latin. From Old French livel/nivel, from Latin libella, "a small balance or level tool," a diminutive of libra, "a balance, a pair of scales.".
Is “level” a common word?
“Level” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “level” have?
“Level” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: flat and even; at the same height throughout, or matching a given height.
What is the difference between level and flat?
Flat means smooth and without bumps or curves. Level means horizontal — the same height throughout, with no slope. A surface can be flat but not level, like a smooth ramp that still tilts. To be level, it must be even and also perfectly horizontal, so a ball placed on it would not roll.
What is the difference between level and even?
Even usually means smooth, regular, or equal, and can describe surfaces, amounts, or scores. Level specifically means horizontal or at the same height throughout. They overlap when describing a surface with no bumps, but only level carries the strong sense of being perfectly horizontal, as measured by a spirit level.
What is the opposite of level?
The opposite depends on the sense. For a surface, uneven, bumpy, or sloping is the opposite of level. When level means horizontal, the opposites are tilted, slanted, or inclined. In each case the contrast is between something flat and horizontal and something irregular or set at an angle.
What is an example of level?
You might say 'make sure the shelf is level' so it hangs straight, or 'the ground here is level' meaning flat and horizontal. In sport, 'the scores are level' means equal. Each use points back to the idea of matching heights or being even throughout.