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adverb

plain

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noun

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

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
Gone are the days when gym bags were plain, bulky duffels that got squeezed into gym lockers. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 May 2025 There are many causes for hair loss—pregnancy, medication, stress, tight styling, or just plain genetics, to name a few. Danielle Cohen, Glamour, 2 May 2025
Adverb
And just like on offense, their team K/BB profile is plain ugly, with the fewest Ks (193) and 12th most walks (105) in baseball. Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 The Wireless One Connect Box is a plain black plastic slab with four HDMI ports (one eARC), two USB-A ports, a 3.5mm RS-232C port, an optical audio output, an Ethernet port, and an antenna/cable connector. PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
From the radioactive corridors of nuclear disasters to the harsh plains of Mars, Conan stands as a testament to life's extraordinary resilience—challenging our notions of survivability and inspiring innovations that could redefine our own limits. Scott Travers, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 Native peoples hunted the great herds on these grassy plains for generations, and the animals were essential to survival. Jim Robbins, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for plain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plain
Adjective
  • Travel can be a quiet retreat, a getaway from life’s monotony, and a simple return to self.
    Essence, Essence, 12 May 2025
  • Style them with a simple tank for a casual day out, or add a blazer and ballet flats for a more polished airport look.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Transform any rejection into pure business motivation and wins.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
  • When something appears that stems from a pure love of music, inevitably, the existing structures begin to crumble.
    Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 10 May 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
  • Pony Bead Pumpkins Ideal for the autumnal season, this adorable and straightforward seasonal craft uses pipe cleaners and beads to create three-dimensional pumpkins perfect for displaying on the mantle or your Thanksgiving tablescape.
    Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2025
  • The most straightforward data point is the growth rate of gross domestic product, or GDP.
    Erica E. Phillips, Hartford Courant, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • The lesson is obvious for investors: always consider control systems.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • That was all too obvious within minutes of his final home game of the season coming to an end on Friday night.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 17 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

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Cite this Entry

“Plain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plain. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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