plain Jane 1 of 2

noun

Definition of plain Janenext
as in everywoman

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plain-Jane

2 of 2

adjective

as in plain

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Dissimilar Words

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 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
  1. everywoman
  2. plain
  3. commoner
  4. typical
  5. proletarian
  6. homely
  7. John Doe
  8. familiar
Noun
  • Sara Bareilles grounds the action as the everywoman at the show’s center, with Busy Philipps and Paula Pell inhabiting every hilarious corner of their outsized characters.
    — Sara Netzley, Entertainment Weekly, 2 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of everywoman
Adjective
  • However, this applies strictly to plain coffee, not sugary, high-calorie specialty drinks or concentrated caffeine products.
    — Robert Glatter, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • In addition to believing, plain and simple, that Shamea crossed the line with her Miss Diane tea, the newbies also seem frustrated by how much the feud is interfering with the group dynamic and the show’s levity.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 20 July 2026
Definition of plain
Noun
  • Camilla’s decades-long life as a commoner sets her apart from other royals like Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, who never had to learn how to cook because they were raised with a dedicated staff of personal chefs, Marie Claire notes.
    — Christopher Luu, InStyle, 17 July 2026
  • The original 67-member royal household shrank to 16, a contraction exacerbated by the requirement that female members must leave the imperial family after marrying a commoner.
    — Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
Definition of commoner
Adjective
  • That 1982 campaign was typical of the misfortune that plagued Keegan’s international career.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Cases of cyclosporiasis are known to rise during spring and summer months in the US, with a typical season running from the start of May through the end of August, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Definition of typical
Noun
  • Now artists, who had only recently emerged as solo entrepreneurs, reverted to their erstwhile status as proletarians—indeed, as migrant workers.
    — Diedrich Diederichsen, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2025
  • Fundamentally, the proletarian forfeits not so much income as individual freedom and the sovereignty of his or her class.
    — Benjamin Kunkel, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of proletarian
Adjective
  • Perhaps the homeliest dish is Karlsson’s ‘genius’ oatmeal porridge.
    — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 29 June 2026
  • L'Apogée Courchevel L'Apogée Courchevel L'Apogée Courchevel L'Apogée Courchevel This 55-room Oetker Hotel atop the former Olympic ski jump was collaboratively designed by India Madhavi and Joseph Durand, a charming fairytale cottage of cozy corners and homely touches.
    — Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
Definition of homely
Noun
  • Anthony Mackie plays John Doe, a motormouth scavenger eking out a living in the wastelands of the former United States.
    — Sara Netzley, Entertainment Weekly, 2 July 2026
  • Joining Dylan on tour is three-time Grammy winner Lucinda Williams and her band, and John Doe Folk Trio.
    — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
Definition of John Doe
Adjective
  • Children grow up without the network of neighboors, relatives and familiar adults that used to make a place feel safe.
    — Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Drawing inspiration from the classic old fashioned cocktail, this fruit-forward IPA delivers familiar flavors in a delightfully different form.
    — Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 21 July 2026
Definition of familiar

Browse Nearby Words

plainclothesmen
plain Jane
plain-Jane
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Cite this Entry

“Plain Jane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plain%20Jane. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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