plane 1 of 4

Definition of planenext

plane

2 of 4

adjective

plane

3 of 4

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

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

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

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
However, the plane was spotted a few minutes later in waters off Newburgh, about 62 miles north of Manhattan. Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026 Then, in June 1995, Barley died in a plane crash. Michael Adno, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
Besides the Cool Springs location, the brand is also planing to open stores at Opry Mills and West Town Mall in Knoxville this fall. Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 29 Aug. 2025 Five flies in the storage area planed on pots and pans. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for plane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plane
Noun
  • Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones Deal Powered by two processors and eight microphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5 give you industry-leading noise cancellation that effectively eliminates the sound of traffic, office chatter, or airplane engines.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 9 Mar. 2026
  • An airplane that crashed in the northern Colorado mountains in February, killing all four people on board, was approaching the Steamboat Springs Airport on a path not authorized for night use while flying too low to clear the mountain peak, according to federal officials.
    Katie Langford, Denver Post, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Once Pierce came off the board, the front office reached terms with a mid-level veteran, Dre’Mont Jones, who helped address their lagging pass rush but wasn’t among the top six edge defenders available.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 9 Mar. 2026
  • The Bills desperately needed a multi-level threat to add to their receiving room, and that’s just what Moore is.
    Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • No distractions, no aeroplanes, no noise, no traffic.
    Emma Banks, InStyle, 4 Feb. 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • Set in the heart of Charleston’s historic district just steps from King Street, the property feels grand in every sense of the word, from its smooth marble floors and winding staircase to its glittering chandeliers and sheer number of rooms (434, to be exact).
    Annie Daly, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
  • The cake’s exterior is cloaked in smooth buttercream icing that clings to the fork, while the generous dusting of coconut flakes adds a gentle crackle with each mouthful.
    Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The garden workspace offers ample room to plant seedlings, mix soil, and organize tools with its flat work surface, drawer, hooks, and shelf.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Anderson is here for the melodrama, the special lessons and the climaxes that fall flat.
    Jessica Lipsky, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Multiple engines attached to the wings swivel into vertical and horizontal positions to accommodate a lift like a helicopter and provide forward movement.
    David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2026
  • The vehicles were dark navy blue with a red horizontal stripe that runs along each side.
    Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The exact timing is still in flux, the people said.
    Josh Sisco, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Since the electronic structure of nickelates involves several energy bands, determining the exact carrier density is difficult, so the Hall coefficient served as a practical way to map how the system evolves.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 8 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Plane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plane. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

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