plane 1 of 4

plane

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adjective

plane

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verb (1)

as in to smooth
to make free from breaks, curves, or bumps planed the wood for the picnic table perfectly smooth so that no one would get splinters

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

plane

4 of 4

verb (2)

as in to fly
to move through the air with or as if with outstretched wings an eagle planed effortlessly overhead, gliding on an air current

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective plane contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of plane are even, flat, level, and smooth. While all these words mean "having a surface without bends, curves, or irregularities," 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 even be used to replace plane?

While the synonyms even and plane are close in meaning, 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 is it sensible to use flat instead of plane?

While in some cases nearly identical to plane, flat applies to a surface devoid of noticeable curvatures, prominences, or depressions.

the work surface must be flat

Where would level be a reasonable alternative to plane?

The meanings of level and plane largely overlap; however, level applies to a horizontal surface that lies on a line parallel with the horizon.

the vast prairies are nearly level

When might smooth be a better fit than plane?

In some situations, the words smooth and plane are roughly equivalent. However, 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 plane
Noun
And what's at stake here is more than just a plane. NPR, 24 Oct. 2025 JetBlue, which already offers free Wi-Fi on every flight, also announced in September a new partnership with Amazon’s Project Kuiper to bring higher-speed satellite internet to its planes starting in 2027. Zach Wichter, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
All this culminates in a debut album, Addison, that planes down contemporary pop influences into an ooze of familiarity, faintly evoking innovations in underground and alternative music without stepping out of its playlist-friendly lane. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 6 June 2025 Erect blackberries like 'Navaho' can be planed in traditional rows or grown as a hedge. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for plane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plane
Noun
  • An American Airlines Airbus A321 taxis at San Diego International Airport as a United Airlines airplane departs on August 24, 2024 in San Diego, California.
    Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The Schichts managed to survive and thrive, building the company, merging with Unilever, founding a cinema, building international networks and even taking to the skies in airplane races.
    Will Tizard, Variety, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • And whether the client is a Fortune 500 CEO looking to improve their public speaking, a mid-level ad sales exec doing team-building or an up-and-coming NHL star hoping to figure out TikTok, Second City Works will hone their classes and seminars to meet the moment, and goals, of each group.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Two of their three losses in the Sun Belt have come to mid-level opponents.
    Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The technology can fuel any form of transport, including yachts, ships, ferries, aeroplanes, trains, cars, buses, and trucks.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Her child looks up at the aeroplane in the sky, flying through dusk, through twilight, flying through the beginning of the end of the day.
    Deborah Levy, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Most of the frog’s body is smooth, while the sides, throat, chest and stomach have some small bumps, according to the study.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025
  • That means official inflation readings may be smoother than the real-world volatility consumers experience, particularly for categories where local price swings or shortages matter most, such as in beef prices.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The ballet flat aesthetic displayed on Thursday contrasted with Rodrigo’s go-to concert shoe look.
    Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The top lays flat, giving the bob a buss down appearance.
    Donnetta Monk, Essence, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The lightweight conveyance system is designed to rapidly deploy bare optical fiber into complex, highly deviated, or horizontal wells without requiring conventional pump-down or tractor-assisted operations.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Many earthquakes result from oblique slip, a combination of both vertical and horizontal motion.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The results were unprecedentedly exact renderings.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Qiy Ankle Boots These suede ankle boots strike the exact right balance of fashionable and functional—mid-height, subtly heeled, and endlessly wearable.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 27 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Plane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plane. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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