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
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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
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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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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
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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
Alan Yuhas, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
And, instead of wearing a plain bikini, be like Chelsea and opt for a statement-making pattern, like the one on this scalloped-style two-piece.
—Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2025
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
Nobody ever took a belt to Natalia and the allegations that she was ‘beaten’ are just plain false.
—Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Ruchi Kumar, NPR, 16 Apr. 2025
Geological significance In its recognition, the UNESCO executive board cited Paektu’s volcanic legacy, valleys shaped by glacial erosion, and rocky plains as part of its global significance.
—Will Ripley, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plain
Adjective
In the days before the funeral, Francis’ body lay amid the splendor of St. Peter’s Basilica in a plain cypress coffin, an emblem of his simple, pastoral vision of the Catholic Church.
—Alan Yuhas, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
And, instead of wearing a plain bikini, be like Chelsea and opt for a statement-making pattern, like the one on this scalloped-style two-piece.
—Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2025
Adverb
That’s plain wrong, and the justices ought to be ashamed.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
Nobody ever took a belt to Natalia and the allegations that she was ‘beaten’ are just plain false.
—Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
Ali's community is comprised of seasonal migrants who travel yearly to herd their sheep, mostly in the plains of neighboring Punjab province.
—Ruchi Kumar, NPR, 16 Apr. 2025
Geological significance In its recognition, the UNESCO executive board cited Paektu’s volcanic legacy, valleys shaped by glacial erosion, and rocky plains as part of its global significance.
—Will Ripley, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plain
Adjective
-
Even something as simple as hanging your own art on the walls or sharing a project online will work.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 May 2025
-
Murder victim's family has been 'counting down the minutes' until South Carolina execution Texas pastor with simple dream killed in his own church.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
Foster Carling House While Remick may be fumbling his Hollywood comeback, his home is pure architectural triumph.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
30 Apr. 2025
-
The spacesuits used for spacewalks are filled with oxygen and the astronauts breathe in pure oxygen for several hours to get rid of nitrogen in their bodies.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Still others pointed to red being a prominent GOP color, while some urged outspoken Trump hater Mark Hamill (the one and only Luke Skywalker) to comment on the matter.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
4 May 2025
-
What To Know Paul, an outspoken critic of Trump's tariff plans, has positioned himself sharply against the leader of his party by cosponsoring a bill aimed to thwart the president from using emergency powers to implement tariffs.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
On the surface, this was a straightforward inquiry.—
Kelly Iko,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
-
Overall, this is straightforward, with a finish that is a touch light Enjoy over the next 2-4 years.—
Tom Hyland,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
But the ‘Harry Potter’ films, ‘Lord Of The Rings,’ ‘Schindler’s List,’ ‘Mission Impossible,’ ‘Gladiator,’ ‘Aviator’ and so many more are U.S films that shot overseas for obvious reasons.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
5 May 2025
-
True to form, the Wiz system is way cheaper than the Philips Hue version without any obvious compromises (to my eye).—
Julian Chokkattu,
Wired News,
3 May 2025
Noun
-
These birds are often seen foraging, perhaps stepping across the prairie in a line to flush insect prey from the grass.—
Carlyn Kranking,
Smithsonian Magazine,
15 Apr. 2025
-
This is a space committed to capturing the sojourners who are determined to travel in headwear that—while perhaps practical for herding cattle across the prairie—is decidedly impractical for air travel.—
Teaghan Skulszki,
Outside Online,
12 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
On Florida’s Forgotten Coast, life moves slower and long expanses remain unmarred by development.—
Carrie Honaker,
Travel + Leisure,
6 May 2025
-
In February, the president ordered the federal government to dramatically scale back the functions of the Presidio Trust, which was established by Representative Nancy Pelosi and oversees a popular expanse with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge.—
Heather Knight,
New York Times,
6 May 2025
Adjective
-
The families who manage this best are the ones who acknowledge it openly, and make space for honest conversations.—
Francois Botha,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
-
But that was less Counsell putting Brown on notice about his spot in the rotation and more so just being honest.—
Sahadev Sharma,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Plain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plain. Accessed 14 May. 2025.
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