plain Jane 1 of 2

Definition of plain Janenext

plain-Jane

2 of 2

adjective

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 Jane
Noun
Sure, there’s the plain Jane staples, but Fat Patty also offers a variety of specialty burgers. Renee Umsted, Charlotte Observer, 16 May 2025 Jane starts off literally like plain Jane, very sweet and wholesome. EW.com, 25 Feb. 2025 If a plain Jane hamburger is your thing, go for it. Rasputin Todd, The Enquirer, 7 Sep. 2023 This means that even your plain Jane, vanilla cookie lover will enjoy this cookie as much as the anything-goes cookie enthusiast. Elizabeth Karmel, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2022 The relationship is actually quite a bit more plain Jane than a lot of other relationships in the show. David Viramontes, Los Angeles Times, 23 Nov. 2022 Peer through their five spokes, and the standard cast-iron rotors and black calipers look plain Jane to those used to slotted discs and colorful binders, but there's always Porsche's $8970 ceramic composite brake option. Elana Scherr, Car and Driver, 6 Apr. 2022
Adjective
Unlike plain-Jane business conferences that focus on tactics or transactions, the best leadership gatherings expose you to ideas that stretch your assumptions. Robert B. Tucker, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026 Much has been said about Bella's plain-Jane persona, but Stewart's earnest performance vivifies the character with a plucky yet lovesick duality that also grounds the film's lofty fantasy sequences. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025 What about plain-Jane organic sheep who’ve been hijacked by a grapefruit-size eyeball with tentacles? Chris Klimek, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025 And while your Christmas tree might ordinarily be decked out with plain-Jane trimmings or classic tinsel, Walmart has the iconic Hallmark ornaments that will not only remind you of the good old days but spice up your decor. Megan Schaltegger, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Dec. 2024 The Romans christened it Insula Minor, Lesser Island, as if forever bequeathing it plain-Jane status next to Ibiza and Mallorca, its alluring Balearic sisters. Stephanie Rafanelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 May 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plain Jane
Noun
  • Mary was a vacuum—conceived as little more than an American everywoman—and Lasser rushed to fill that void with her own experience.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
  • How can Jessica Reynolds know that she’s managed to anchor her Emma Harte as a sort of everywoman.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In today’s fascination with affordable, tiny houses, the legacy of traditional American architecture is in plain sight.
    Time, Time, 2 June 2026
  • This one, though, is as plain as the sunshine on a warm Texas day.
    Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • And this postseason, the back-to-back defending champs are watching the playoffs like the rest of us commoners: from the couch.
    Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
  • The psoas is important, but invisible, like a commoner.
    Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • The piña colada at the beachside bar and grill Coccoloba is a standout, but the real surprise lies in the creative drinks beyond the typical beachside cocktails.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • The lightweight fabric and billowy, tiered silhouette of this dress keep it comfortable on summer days, and the square neckline gives you a little more coverage than a typical slip dress.
    Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • On the one hand, the proletarian contributes every bit of on-the-clock activity to the value of the resulting commodity.
    Benjamin Kunkel, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The song, now considered a protest anthem, is about a social revolution in which French proletarians stand against the ruling class — in this case, an oppressive monarchy.
    Raven Brunner, People.com, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Potterheads across the globe will instantly recognize Harry’s not-so-homely house on Privet Drive, his cramped excuse of a bedroom and the endless disdain oozing from the young wizard’s unloving aunt and uncle, Petunia and Vernon Dursley.
    Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Unlike many of the birds that Helen and Allan Cruickshank found in the Everglades, the storks had not been decimated by plume hunters decades before because the homely bird’s feathers weren’t prized for ladies' hats.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In the instance that fueled the witness-dissuasion conviction, a teen boy, John Doe 2 reportedly suffered a serious head injury after drunkenly hanging from O’Connor’s SUV — driven by another teen — then falling during a joyride in the high school parking lot.
    Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 26 May 2026
  • Jason Statham’s Bourne style action pic John Doe is said to include a nice twist and is in the $80M range.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • Shange describes the Bacchanal as familiar and minimal.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 May 2026
  • Sources familiar with the situation, granted anonymity like all those consulted for this article to protect relationships, acknowledged there was consternation at the top at his behaviour and wondered whether Glasner’s position was becoming untenable.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 28 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Plain Jane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plain%20Jane. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.

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