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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in straightforward
going straight to the point clearly and firmly
a plain report on the current situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in obvious
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation
let me make my meaning plain
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in openly
in an honest and direct manner
told her plain that he loved her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Anthony Wood, Space.com, 25 Jan. 2026
Bothwell told the La Jolla Light that the letter is important for its use of plain language to convey key concerns.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
Lindsey Desoto, Health, 15 Jan. 2026
Among the delectable dishes to consider is Botiwalla’s colorful Desi Salad, which can be served plain for vegans or with paneer for vegetarians.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 2026
Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 23 Jan. 2026
This mountain range adds sharp granite spires to the Patagonian landscape, rising abruptly from the glaciers, lakes, and open plains surrounding it.
—Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for plain
Adjective
As with Eudoxus, the angle of the moon and sun will cast sections of the Aristoteles Crater into shadow, highlighting the broken terrain bordering its central basin plain, upon which a collection of hill-like features reside.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 25 Jan. 2026
Bothwell told the La Jolla Light that the letter is important for its use of plain language to convey key concerns.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
Adverb
Drink aloe vera juice plain or incorporate it into fruit smoothies for a nutrient boost.
—Lindsey Desoto, Health, 15 Jan. 2026
Among the delectable dishes to consider is Botiwalla’s colorful Desi Salad, which can be served plain for vegans or with paneer for vegetarians.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
The major storm will bring winter weather stretching from the southern plains through the Southeast before reaching New England by Sunday.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 23 Jan. 2026
This mountain range adds sharp granite spires to the Patagonian landscape, rising abruptly from the glaciers, lakes, and open plains surrounding it.
—Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for plain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plain
Adjective
-
In such a world, simple answers won’t do; only the courage to ask the hardest questions will push us forward.—
Daphne Koller,
Big Think,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Knox, who committed to wrestle at Rutgers University, and his dad were initially charged with simple assault for purposely/knowingly causing bodily injury after a brawl broke out at Collingswood High School on February.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Adam Lambert Standing on the smaller, rotating stage in the middle of the room, Lambert showcased how even with his irrepressible flair, his pure voice is the star.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Cocktail making at White Bar is almost a choreographed dance and a simple orange daiquiri feels like drinking a glass of pure bright sunshine.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Omar has been an outspoken critic of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations surge in the Twin Cities, repeatedly calling for Noem’s impeachment.—
Molly Parks,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Jan. 2026
-
In conversations with state lawmakers who have been outspoken on gun rights, and with two Idaho attorneys who focus on constitutional rights, the Idaho Statesman heard a range of reactions to Pretti’s shooting.—
Sarah Cutler,
Idaho Statesman,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Consider it a straightforward way to lock in international travel without juggling flights.—
Paris Wilson,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Here's how to create the optimal environment for seed-starting, plus straightforward tips for increasing your germination success.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The Heat are muddling along with a roster that isn’t good enough to do anything of significance, have no young player with obvious star upside, can’t create significant cap room for at least two more years and owe a future pick to the Hornets from the disastrous Terry Rozier trade.—
Nick Friedell,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
-
There is no obvious sign any of the officers were injured.—
Jude Joffe-Block,
NPR,
31 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Senior executives speak openly about the potential for better customer experience, better products, and fundamentally new business models enabled by AI.—
Peter Bendor-Samuel,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Nipple and areola changes Nipple and areola changes are extremely common postpartum, especially for breastfeeding parents—yet they’re rarely talked about openly.—
Alex Vance,
Parents,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
He is seen surrounded by an ocean of brown prairie grass, gone dormant for the winter.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Wetlands in the area are also home to Everglades snail kites, which hunt for apple snails in freshwater marshes, and other rare species that once inhabited vast wet prairies drained for highways and neighborhoods.—
Jenny Staletovich,
Miami Herald,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Located on Siesta Key near downtown Sarasota on the state's west coast, this kid-friendly beach has a wide expanse of soft, powdery white, quartz-crystal sand that somehow doesn’t get hot in the Florida sun.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
31 Jan. 2026
-
It’s perfectly situated for wanders down the beautiful expanse of Flamand beach or hikes to the highest point of the island.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Plain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plain. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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