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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Bestreviews, Mercury News, 27 Oct. 2025
Both the sleeves and hem of the pullover are decorated with ribbing to add contrast to the plain knit of the body, and the yarn is flecked to add vintage charm to this high-quality sweater.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Oct. 2025
But that doesn’t stop it from being just plain cool.
—Tj MacIas, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025
Frederick Dreier, Outside, 23 Oct. 2025
The Naashoibito Member site was like a warm and humid tropical forest, similar to conditions in modern Panama, while the Hell Creek area was at a much lower elevation and included the cooler conditions of an inland sea coastal plain.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plain
Adjective
Those who prefer their clothing to be a bit plainer can choose a hoodie with a small logo on the chest, sleeve or a couple of small stripes.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 27 Oct. 2025
Both the sleeves and hem of the pullover are decorated with ribbing to add contrast to the plain knit of the body, and the yarn is flecked to add vintage charm to this high-quality sweater.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
Adverb
For variegated types, that’s actually the preferred way, since rooted cuttings often send up new shoots that are just plain green.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Oct. 2025
But that doesn’t stop it from being just plain cool.
—Tj MacIas, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
The headwaters of the Big Thompson River snake across an emerald plain, past beaver dams and aspen groves and toward the highest peaks of the Front Range.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside, 23 Oct. 2025
The Naashoibito Member site was like a warm and humid tropical forest, similar to conditions in modern Panama, while the Hell Creek area was at a much lower elevation and included the cooler conditions of an inland sea coastal plain.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plain
Adjective
-
While House Republicans can pass legislation with a simple majority vote, Senate Republicans cannot advance most matters without meeting a 60-vote threshold.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Oct. 2025
-
But in stoppage time, Miami was gifted a third goal when Jordi Alba crossed from the left and keeper Willis, colliding with defender Walker Zimmerman, spilled the ball right to Messi, who had the simplest of tap-ins.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Such is life in Marthaland, where homemaking tasks are plucked from the realm of everyday drudgery and elevated to a pure pursuit of excellence.—
Hannah Goldfield,
New Yorker,
3 Nov. 2025
-
To this end, while the loss of two aircraft in short order seems suspicious, it could be explained through pure chance.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Dynevor, meanwhile, finds texture in a villainous role that rightly reminds us how petty personal grievances (on campus, no less) may well be the driving force behind the most outspoken political provocateurs.—
Manuel Betancourt,
Variety,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Airbnb’s cofounder and CEO Brian Chesky is one the most outspoken leaders in the business world waving the red flag on loneliness.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
There’s a timelessness to these spaces, but the feelings the images evoke are more nuanced and uneasy than straightforward nostalgia.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
25 Oct. 2025
-
The process to reimagine the Wild West in the 21st Century wasn’t always straightforward, Dow said.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
One obvious reason for my interest in the movie, then, was that Walter Matthau reminded me, a little bit, of my father.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
-
There are good pieces in place, but replacing or re-signing Bregman seems to be an obvious offseason priority, and another impact starter would certainly help.—
Stephen J. Nesbitt,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
Adverb
-
Parents should discuss digital safety openly.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
25 Oct. 2025
-
That tension brings the conversation back to Mamdani, whose campaign, Piker argues, has tested those boundaries more openly than most.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Badlands, North Dakota North Dakota’s Badlands is known for its rugged landscape, including sweeping hills, prairie grasses, canyons and rock formations, as well as native wildlife.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Salvias and native prairie plants should only have a thin layer of mulch and don't need any if plantings are dense.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Here, a vast expanse of rolling white dunes embraces thousands of shimmering turquoise and emerald freshwater lagoons, sculpted by seasonal rains.—
Lily Bunker,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Nov. 2025
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The storyline follows soldiers Heikki and Pauli who take their first steps toward adulthood in the unforgiving expanse of the Arctic Circle, and interpreter Saara Vainio who leaves her husband for German officer Duisberg, defying both convention and country.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
30 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Plain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plain. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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