PLAIN Synonyms: 454 Similar and Opposite Words | Merriam-Webster Thesaurus

plain 1 of 3

adjective

ˈplān

Definition of plain next

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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

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2

as in pure

free from added matter I'd prefer my pasta plain, not flavored with tomato or spinach or anything else

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3

as in outspoken

free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions their piano teacher is honest and plain, if not always tactful

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4

as in straightforward

going straight to the point clearly and firmly a plain report on the current situation

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5

as in obvious

not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation let me make my meaning plain

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plain

2 of 3

adverb

as in openly

in an honest and direct manner told her plain that he loved her

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plain

3 of 3

noun

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

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2

as in expanse

a wide space or area the vast plains of snow-covered earth that seemed to stretch endlessly

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word plain distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of plain are candid, frank, and open. While all these words mean "showing willingness to tell what one feels or thinks," plain suggests outspokenness and freedom from affectation or subtlety in expression.

plain talk

When could candid be used to replace plain?

Although the words candid and plain have much in common, candid suggests expression marked by sincerity and honesty especially in offering unwelcome criticism or opinion.

a candid appraisal

When might frank be a better fit than plain?

In some situations, the words frank and plain are roughly equivalent. However, frank stresses lack of shyness or secretiveness or of evasiveness from considerations of tact or expedience.

frank discussions

How does the word open relate to other synonyms for plain?

Open implies frankness but suggests more indiscretion than frank and less earnestness than candid.

open in saying what they think

How is the word plain distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of plain are candid, frank, and open. While all these words mean "showing willingness to tell what one feels or thinks," plain suggests outspokenness and freedom from affectation or subtlety in expression.

plain talk

When could candid be used to replace plain?

Although the words candid and plain have much in common, candid suggests expression marked by sincerity and honesty especially in offering unwelcome criticism or opinion.

a candid appraisal

When might frank be a better fit than plain?

In some situations, the words frank and plain are roughly equivalent. However, frank stresses lack of shyness or secretiveness or of evasiveness from considerations of tact or expedience.

frank discussions

How does the word open relate to other synonyms for plain?

Open implies frankness but suggests more indiscretion than frank and less earnestness than candid.

open in saying what they think

How is the word plain distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of plain are candid, frank, and open. While all these words mean "showing willingness to tell what one feels or thinks," plain suggests outspokenness and freedom from affectation or subtlety in expression.

plain talk

When could candid be used to replace plain?

Although the words candid and plain have much in common, candid suggests expression marked by sincerity and honesty especially in offering unwelcome criticism or opinion.

a candid appraisal

When might frank be a better fit than plain?

In some situations, the words frank and plain are roughly equivalent. However, frank stresses lack of shyness or secretiveness or of evasiveness from considerations of tact or expedience.

frank discussions

How does the word open relate to other synonyms for plain?

Open implies frankness but suggests more indiscretion than frank and less earnestness than candid.

open in saying what they think

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 plain

Adjective

To put that in plain English, a normal conversation runs about 60 decibels. —

Kim Komando The Kim Komando Show, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2026 When combined with flatlining growth and rising household borrowing costs, the risk of recession is plain. —

The Week Uk, TheWeek, 28 Mar. 2026

Adverb

And the animation is plain ugly, even by the network’s standards. —

Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2026 Same story with a lot of our old tech that felt too slow, too cramped, or just plain dull. —

Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 13 Mar. 2026

Noun

The commissioners’ vote will make that plain. —

Randy Linville, Baltimore Sun, 18 Mar. 2026 These mammals are found across North America, residing in every kind of habitat from hardwood forests to coastal plains to swamps. —

Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for plain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for plain

Adjective

In Catanzaro Lido, a beach town along the Ionian coast, meals tend to be simple and communal.

— Jenna Curcio, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026
In her first interview since becoming head of content at Disney+ EMEA, Angela Jain has said the message to writers and producers is simple, the streamer is going to greenlight more originals from the region and will be backing that effort with extra funds for local fare.

— Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026

Definition of simple

Cite this Entry

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“Plain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plain. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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