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
  • Adrienne is the everywoman, the reluctant diplomat documenting in horror the women’s deteriorating dinner party behavior.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Readers around the world have been enthralled by the story of Lorelei Lee, a tactical beauty with a desire to improve herself romantically, financially and socially, and Lorelei’s bestie and travel buddy, Dorothy Shaw, the everywoman along for the fun.
    Adriana Trigiani, Washington Post, 1 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This would transform anything from plain cabbage to noodles.
    Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Swap plain runners for patterned or textured styles for a polished finish.
    Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 3 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
  • Duncan defied his father’s wishes and broke off an engagement with Lyonel Baratheon’s daughter to marry a commoner, Jaehaerys and Shaera had a traditionally incestuous Targaryen relationship, and Daeron died in battle.
    James Grebey, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • While most missing items are typical things that people travel with like cellphones, backpacks and glasses, Diaz said there have been a number of unique items turned in, including a prosthetic leg, musical instruments, 55-inch-screen TVs and large generators.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Concerns have focused in particular on the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway off Iran's coast that a fifth of the world's oil sails through on a typical day.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 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
  • 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
  • There’s a touch of homely comfort, with a bespoke kitchen flowing into a cosy dining alcove—perfect for breakfasts or candlelit meals in.
    Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 19 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • When Sidney and Gale (Courteney Cox) visit Fallbrook Psychiatric Hospital, an employee named Marco (Ethan Embry) recognizes Stu as a John Doe patient who was recently released, seemingly confirming the calls are coming from the real deal.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026
  • As Norther Territory police focus on the large-scale investigation for two missing backpackers, Dulcie and the very reluctant Eddie are tasked with identifying the John Doe.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • There just was something very familiar.
    Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • From the steamy streets of Carnival in the late 1970s to the 18th century Arctic tundra and an eerily familiar, fictionalized version of present-day America, this year’s nominees span decades, genres, continents and cultures.
    Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 5 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 10 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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