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
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
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 See All Example Sentences for plain Jane
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
  • Bella Hadid’s Minimalist Leather Flip-Flops A sleek pair of plain black leather flip-flops can take you far.
    — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 8 July 2026
  • Additionally, replace technical jargon with clear, plain language, translating complexity instead of hiding it.
    — Andy Molinsky, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of plain
Noun
  • He’s been called a thief, a benefactor, a commoner, a lord, a killer and a hero.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
  • Ultimately, Charles stripped his younger brother of all royal titles and privileges in October 2025, rendering him a commoner.
    — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 29 May 2026
Definition of commoner
Adjective
  • If multiple people become infected within a neighborhood, a typical source would be a cooling tower, hot tub or spray fountain, NYC Health wrote on its website.
    — Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • The contoured footbed offers more support than a typical flat sandal, and the adjustable straps help customize the fit, which is especially helpful for her flat feet.
    — Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026
Definition of typical
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
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
  • While no one wants a bad night's sleep, most of us experience occasional sleep disruptions stemming from familiar culprits like late-night doomscrolling, too much caffeine, stress or an inconsistent bedtime routine.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • Tensions over race and history are familiar for Lynne Jackson, who now runs a foundation in Missouri to honor Dred Scott and his effort to vindicate his rights.
    — Carrie Johnson, NPR, 7 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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