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
Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 1 June 2026
In plain view is the 910P movement and its 238 components, a descendant of the watchmaker’s now-iconic 9P movement launched in 1957.
—Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 1 June 2026
The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026
The Louisville Basketball Claim At a University of Louisville basketball practice during the 1978-79 season, forward Wiley Brown went to give his teammate Derek Smith a plain old low five.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
Baraa Anwer, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026
Despite the sweltering heat, the pilgrims gathered on the rocky hill and the surrounding plains for intense prayers that often mark a spiritual peak.
—ABC News, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for plain
Adjective
Foods that contain simple carbs include plain white bread, pasta, and white rice.
—Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 1 June 2026
In plain view is the 910P movement and its 238 components, a descendant of the watchmaker’s now-iconic 9P movement launched in 1957.
—Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 1 June 2026
Adverb
Nearly unbeatable during the regular season, the Kansas City Mavericks are looking plain unstoppable now that the playoffs are underway.
—The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026
The Louisville Basketball Claim At a University of Louisville basketball practice during the 1978-79 season, forward Wiley Brown went to give his teammate Derek Smith a plain old low five.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
Despite the sweltering heat, the pilgrims gathered on the rocky hill and surrounding plain for intense prayers that often mark a spiritual peak.
—Baraa Anwer, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026
Despite the sweltering heat, the pilgrims gathered on the rocky hill and the surrounding plains for intense prayers that often mark a spiritual peak.
—ABC News, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for plain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plain
Adjective
-
The actor, 39, pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor counts of simple battery in a Louisiana criminal court Wednesday, June 3, according to records obtained by USA TODAY.—
Liza Esquibias,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
-
At the time, the New Orleans Police Department confirmed its officers charged LaBeouf with two counts of simple battery for allegedly assaulting two men near a bar in the French Quarter.—
Alexandra Del Rosario,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
Both of those latter cocktails are pure brightness, while the vanilla from the aged rum and the spice from the bitters in the Old Cuban moves it from poolside to inside as if under a slowly twisting ceiling fan in a smoky room, long narrow beams of light through the wooden shutters.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
6 June 2026
-
But maybe more about devotion in its purest form.—
Stephanie Mack,
PEOPLE,
6 June 2026
Adjective
-
Obama and Robinson's interview with the outspoken comedian was released on May 6.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
2 June 2026
-
Industry versus lifestyle Monday’s meeting drew a mix of outspoken residents presenting concerns about data centers’ direct impact on their rural communities, and commercial leaders portraying the data center economy as an essential growth opportunity for Jackson County’s economy.—
Ilana Arougheti
June 1,
Kansas City Star,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
In the video, Allie dramatically acted out both sides of the conversation, capturing the feeling of trying to extract a straightforward answer from her mom.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
3 June 2026
-
Not Suitable for Work, by contrast, stretches for both satire and straightforward cuddliness.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
To further prevent obvious staining, choose darker flooring that won't show mud and dirt as easily.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 June 2026
-
Black is an obvious choice, but purple, red, pink, navy, or even bolder choices like butter yellow, or orange can also work.—
Lauren Jones,
The Spruce,
6 June 2026
Adverb
-
Furthermore, a recent Financial Times investigation revealed that even when AI developers implement guardrails to prevent bad actors from misusing them, protections can be bypassed using openly available software tools in less than 10 minutes.—
Mohammad Hosseini,
Chicago Tribune,
4 June 2026
-
In the other room, Kayda is entertaining Bryce and Zach, who are openly drooling, and the scene could not look more like Challengers if Zendaya were playing Kayda.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Vulture,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
Over the prairie there would be lightning that evening, dropping in shattering bolts from swollen purple clouds.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
-
The 30th anniversary open house includes interpretive stations at locations around the prairie, with attendees invited to bike, drive or hike from each trailhead to learn about the bison project, prairie restoration and how grazing and agriculture help restoration efforts.—
Melinda Moore,
Chicago Tribune,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
The architects varied the floor planes and ceiling heights inside to help define spaces in lieu of walls, maintaining views of the panorama through expanses of floor-to-ceiling glass shaded by broad hemlock eaves.—
Fred Albert,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
-
Looking out at an endless expanse of ocean blue while the foaming tide rolls in is enough to put anyone in a vacation state of mind.—
Jessica Puckett,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Plain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plain. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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