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plain

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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
The speed of the freeze was striking—but so was the immensity of the frozen plain stretching to the horizon. Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 May 2025 Sparkling and Infused Water Sparkling water is plain water infused with carbon dioxide gas. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 20 May 2025
Adverb
In recent years, the focus at Fox is on the familiar, which in most cases (animation, in particular) is just plain tired. Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025 However, the plain white tee has evolved over the years to be more stylish and of higher quality. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025
Noun
Choosing plain, nonfat Greek yogurt can save you 65 calories in a 6-ounce serving compared to the whole-fat version. Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 9 May 2025 The Los Angeles Basin includes the coastal plain and waters of Los Angeles: extending north to the Santa Monica Mountains, east to the Angeles National Forest and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and east and south into much of Orange County. Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for plain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plain
Adjective
  • In addition to experiencing a surge of sensual energy with greater emphasis on life’s simple pleasures, Venus in Taurus has everything to do with feeling grounded and finding stability in both love and finances.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 5 June 2025
  • The way to peace is simple: get Hamas out and get aid in.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Perhaps the truth, however, is that Emmanuel-Thomas, in pure sporting terms, has always been something of a puzzle.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 6 June 2025
  • At the same time, demand for hybrids and plug-in hybrids is diverting sales away from pure EVs.
    Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, an outspoken critic of the city’s homeless programs, also has been a longtime supporter of terminating the emergency.
    Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2025
  • These decisions suggest an effort to suppress all but the most overt nationalistic efforts from American artists, a fool’s errand given the outspoken nature of the creative community, and one that is not unfamiliar around the globe.
    Eric Kohn, HollywoodReporter, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Every detail is considered, down to the most straightforward dish on the menu and its namesake.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 26 May 2025
  • The best and most straightforward way to clean your tea kettle is by running a boil a couple of times with water and some white vinegar.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines told Newsweek the most obvious impact from the smoke would be hazy skies, which could contribute to visually beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the affected areas.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
  • But in terms of the excitement and electricity, the parallels between Verlander and Skubal are obvious.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • The authors’ arguments in defense of the prairie and its people deserve attention.
    Monitor staff, Christian Science Monitor, 22 May 2025
  • Beneath its wide skies and quiet prairies lies a rugged and surprising variety of landscapes with trails galore.
    Brian Higgins, Outside Online, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • The highest per capita death toll occurred in Yancey County, a rural expanse in the rugged Black Mountains of North Carolina devastated by flash flooding and landslides.
    Jennifer Berry Hawes, ProPublica, 21 May 2025
  • Meanwhile the darker expanses of Oceanus Procellarum (Ocean of Storms) and the surrounding lunar maria (which is Latin for seas) will dominate the north west of the moon's tidally locked disk, according to NASA.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • So much of it feels like a fever dream, to be honest, being in Singapore.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 30 May 2025
  • Players appreciated such an honest approach during the Euro 2022 campaign, which garnered mutual respect and trust.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Plain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plain. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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