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
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
Adjective
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 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
  • Currently, going to the Google image search site shows a plain search bar for finding images.
    — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 14 July 2026
  • Diaz was surprised to learn that most participants ignored their smartwatch alerts in favor of a plain old phone timer.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 14 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
  • Before the war, a typical day would see around 100 commercial vessels pass through.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • In a break with soccer protocol, the 11-minute set is reportedly due to extend the typical 15 minute half-time break, with a new half-time of up to 30 minutes.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 14 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
  • Men’s European Championship 2024 Spain versus England is becoming quite familiar in finals.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • Blending the vintage style of a Mary Jane shoe with the modern, casual style of a trainer, these shoes shine with their unique but familiar design.
    — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 14 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 17 Jul. 2026.

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