1
as in simple
free from all additions or embellishment
I like my hamburgers plain, with no ketchup or relish just give us the plain facts and none of your snide comments
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pure
free from added matter
I'd prefer my pasta plain, not flavored with tomato or spinach or anything else
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in outspoken
free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions
their piano teacher is honest and plain, if not always tactful
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in straightforward
going straight to the point clearly and firmly
a plain report on the current situation
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in obvious
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation
let me make my meaning plain
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in openly
in an honest and direct manner
told her plain that he loved her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in prairie
a broad area of level or rolling treeless country
the first settlers in that area lived on the vast plains in lonely log cabins
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in expanse
a wide space or area
the vast plains of snow-covered earth that seemed to stretch endlessly
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of plain
Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2026
This is just the first point of contention in a minefield of cultural barriers, letter-of-the-law distinctions, personal prejudices and perhaps some plain mistruth here and there.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 18 May 2026
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2026
Young Michael may have seemed strange, or just plain different, to kids his own age, but what about the adult Michael, whose professional life took him outside the family orbit and into offices, studios, and night clubs?
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2026
John Hodgman, New York Times, 15 May 2026
The armed violence in Cité Soleil and the neighboring Cul-de-Sac plain has been flaring up on and off since February.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for plain
Adjective
Synbiotic overnight oats with yogurt — stir rolled oats and plain live-culture yogurt together, then top with mixed berries, banana and ground flaxseed for an easy make-ahead breakfast.
—Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2026
This is just the first point of contention in a minefield of cultural barriers, letter-of-the-law distinctions, personal prejudices and perhaps some plain mistruth here and there.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 18 May 2026
Adverb
There’s an almost-friendship-ending rift over husbands (Brent Thiessen is Cee Cee’s, a cool-guy theater director; Ben Jacoby is Bertie’s, a rich jerk) that feels deeply dated and, in the context of the women’s tell-each-other-everything friendship, just plain weird.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2026
Young Michael may have seemed strange, or just plain different, to kids his own age, but what about the adult Michael, whose professional life took him outside the family orbit and into offices, studios, and night clubs?
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
But as a trip to the American Wing of the Met recently reminded me, even the Shakers — plainest of the plain!
—John Hodgman, New York Times, 15 May 2026
The armed violence in Cité Soleil and the neighboring Cul-de-Sac plain has been flaring up on and off since February.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for plain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plain
Adjective
-
While the simple Deluxe Room is ideal for a quick overnight trip, guests looking for a longer stay should spread out in the Junior Suite with Living & Dining Area, which opens onto a semi-private stone patio with a bocce court and a firepit in the warmer months.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 May 2026
-
Huxley might easily have written a simpler novel glorifying intellectuals while mocking Stoyte’s greed and indifference to suffering.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 May 2026
Adjective
-
Recently, marinated, raw tuna cubes sat on top of a creamy hazelnut and bean pure while a fatty pork jowl was balanced by a tart salsa verde and sprigs of purslane.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
-
The only risk to consider here is Seattle’s pure dominance at home.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
Another candidate was an outspoken opponent, contending that the project was a sop to developers.—
Jason Zengerle,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
-
The Lakers executive’s contribution signals growing Hollywood interest in Pratt’s outsider candidacy, which has gained momentum following his outspoken criticism of city leadership after the 2025 Palisades fires.—
Janelle Ash,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
Jamie Gittens, too, is a straightforward winger and has had a difficult first season at Stamford Bridge, struggling for a place due to form and often fitness.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
-
Luxury credit cards are notorious for offering valuable benefits that are often less than straightforward.—
Jason Stauffer,
CNBC,
20 May 2026
Adjective
-
The old gunslinger makes the most of an AFC without an obvious favorite and rides off after one last trip into the playoffs, this one coming with a postseason win.—
Mike DeFabo,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
-
Neural activation and event consolidation seem too bureaucratic, even obvious.—
Deborah Treisman,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
Adverb
-
What is striking about this moment is that America is not merely acknowledging the Jewish roots of some of its values historically, but openly turning again to a distinctly Jewish practice as a possible source of wisdom for the present.—
Ari Berman,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
-
The controversy also took a turn after the discovery of a March 2026 interview with outlet El Nuevo Día in which Díaz openly discussed his family’s involvement in the underground circuit.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
And in turn, the 867-foot monolith protruding from the surrounding Wyoming prairie like the stump of the world’s largest tree became a big draw for tourists.—
Marnie Hunter,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
-
The annual Belwin Bison Festival celebrates the release of the NorthStar Bison herd back onto the prairies at Belwin Conservancy.—
Jared Kaufman,
Twin Cities,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
All have king beds and floor-to-ceiling windows that open either toward the skyline or the green expanse of Chapultepec.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
-
Up close, the vast expanse of the human skin resembles an unknown landscape, maybe similar to the lunar terrain, with craters and elevations in the form of minuscule blemishes, hairs, and cutaneous eruptions.—
Carlos Aguilar,
IndieWire,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Plain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plain. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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