1
as in openly
in an honest and direct manner
you'll have to tell your relatives very plainly that you don't like perfume, or they'll keep giving it to you
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in certainly
without any question
your wife is plainly upset that you didn't invite her to the game with us
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of plainly
The software is called BAILA, short for Bayesian AI Learning Algorithm, and the firm behind the funds is named, plainly enough, Ai Funds, Inc.
—
Dara-Abasi Ita,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Speak plainly, then agree on a fair next step together.
—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
19 June 2026
On Monday night, David Remnick interviewed Hillary Rodham Clinton for a live taping of The New Yorker Radio Hour, where the former First Lady spoke plainly about Joe Biden and the disastrous 2024 election.
—
Ian Crouch,
New Yorker,
18 June 2026
Draft the pitch and edit the newsletter so your plan lands plainly, and keep the tone upbeat.
—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
17 June 2026
The Islamic Republic has always claimed that its domestic opponents were stooges of Israel and the United States, even when those charges were plainly implausible.
—
Laura Secor,
The Atlantic,
16 June 2026
Marco-Antonio Hartmann, PhD, a pediatric psychologist at Phoenix Children's, one of the nation's largest pediatric health systems, puts it plainly.
—
Staff Author,
Parents,
13 June 2026
Hockney, put plainly, was the most famous artist in the world.
—
Mark Rozzo,
Vanity Fair,
12 June 2026
Name the need plainly, then confirm the next step together.
—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
11 June 2026
Dara-Abasi Ita,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Speak plainly, then agree on a fair next step together.
—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
19 June 2026
On Monday night, David Remnick interviewed Hillary Rodham Clinton for a live taping of The New Yorker Radio Hour, where the former First Lady spoke plainly about Joe Biden and the disastrous 2024 election.
—
Ian Crouch,
New Yorker,
18 June 2026
Draft the pitch and edit the newsletter so your plan lands plainly, and keep the tone upbeat.
—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
17 June 2026
The Islamic Republic has always claimed that its domestic opponents were stooges of Israel and the United States, even when those charges were plainly implausible.
—
Laura Secor,
The Atlantic,
16 June 2026
Marco-Antonio Hartmann, PhD, a pediatric psychologist at Phoenix Children's, one of the nation's largest pediatric health systems, puts it plainly.
—
Staff Author,
Parents,
13 June 2026
Hockney, put plainly, was the most famous artist in the world.
—
Mark Rozzo,
Vanity Fair,
12 June 2026
Name the need plainly, then confirm the next step together.
—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
11 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plainly
Adverb
-
The big news is that the United States and Iran are no longer openly at war.
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When someone openly and continuously crosses your land for years, that use can gradually become a permanent legal right called a prescriptive easement.
Adverb
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In the second season, we were introduced to Carmy and Mikey’s mother Donna (Jamie Lee Curtis), whose dysfunctions, including alcoholism, certainly helped create the family’s addiction to chaos.
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But certainly not one that is giving back to the community and the kids in this manner.
Adverb
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Watching Bryce Dettloff and Trinity Tatum pine for each other while separated by Casa Amor and realize their feelings for each other while unable to talk was sincerely romantic.
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For example, someone may sincerely believe a supplement, detox or alternative therapy helped when symptoms may have improved naturally or because of expectation alone.
Adverb
-
Colombia held Ronaldo in check all night Saturday, surely disappointing his legion of fans.
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That amount of splitting will surely present those three host nations with similar situations to the one Canada is facing now.
Adverb
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But he is viewed by Labour supporters as a more effective, optimistic and plain-speaking communicator than Starmer, who's quiet, lawyerly manner has consistently failed to connect with the public's national mood.
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The character of Thomasin was described in the script as plain-faced.
Adverb
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But the New York Knicks captain and MVP definitely returned the favor in a big way.
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So the two of you are definitely not hanging up the hat after this?
Adverb
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And honestly, in the short term, founder dependency makes the operating partner's job easier too.
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And, honestly, what a miserable way to go through life.
Adverb
-
Set terms clearly, and honor your pace.
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The goalless half, though, hasn't been the result of two teams' playing out the string, as Australia has clearly had the better of it.
Cite this Entry
“Plainly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plainly. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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