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
  • 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
  • Adrienne is the everywoman, the reluctant diplomat documenting in horror the women’s deteriorating dinner party behavior.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • This is plain weaponization of the FBI for partisan political purposes.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Great effort has been made to transform what is ordinarily a plain, beige room into a festive space.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Later that same month, King Charles stripped Andrew of all of his royal titles and privileges, rendering him a commoner.
    Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 5 Mar. 2026
  • When his time comes to sit on the Iron Throne, Egg proves a thoughtful, compassionate king who makes a genuine effort to improve the lives of the commoners through laws and reforms, much to the displeasure of the aristocracy.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Games that still are too typical of the NCAA women’s tournament where the higher seed seldom loses.
    Mac Engel March 31, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Food and drink At first glance, Harriet’s Rooftop & Lounge seemed like a typical NYC rooftop—the kind of place where views take priority and food is an afterthought.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 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
  • This year’s exhibitors lean toward younger Los Angeles galleries, including Megan Mulrooney, John Doe Gallery, Gross!
    Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
  • The two agents, identified as John Doe 1 and John Doe 2 in the lawsuit, are part of a broader group of employees who claim they were fired over the past year over their role in the election investigation known as Arctic Frost.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Steeped in international cinema, Haghighi has since taken familiar tropes, forms, and genres and bent them in new directions.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
  • So California may be readying to wage a two-front battle — the familiar one against smog, but a second, altogether new one, against an administration determined to let California get smoggy again.
    Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 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 1 Apr. 2026.

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