1
as in openly
in an honest and direct manner
you'll have to tell your relatives very plainly that you don't like perfume, or they'll keep giving it to you
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in certainly
without any question
your wife is plainly upset that you didn't invite her to the game with us
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of plainly
However, the general principle is plainly false.
—
Torie Bosch, STAT, 7 Feb. 2026
If Congress fails to impeach, convict and remove a president who so plainly disregards constitutional limits, our democracy may not survive the damage.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Waters sought to clarify the Secretary’s current stance, asking plainly whether tariffs drive up costs.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026
The video did not mention any specific orders, but the six were plainly referring to the sinking of Venezuelan ships in international waters topped off by the killing of survivors clinging to the wreckage of their vessel.
—James D. Zirin, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026
It’s just been rare to hear someone state it so plainly and publicly.
—Antonio Morales, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Tyrese Haliburton plainly labelled Pretti’s death a murder.
—Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2026
Share needs plainly so collaboration can flourish.
—Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
Candor debt accumulates when people stop speaking plainly.
—Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Torie Bosch, STAT, 7 Feb. 2026
If Congress fails to impeach, convict and remove a president who so plainly disregards constitutional limits, our democracy may not survive the damage.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Waters sought to clarify the Secretary’s current stance, asking plainly whether tariffs drive up costs.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026
The video did not mention any specific orders, but the six were plainly referring to the sinking of Venezuelan ships in international waters topped off by the killing of survivors clinging to the wreckage of their vessel.
—James D. Zirin, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026
It’s just been rare to hear someone state it so plainly and publicly.
—Antonio Morales, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Tyrese Haliburton plainly labelled Pretti’s death a murder.
—Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2026
Share needs plainly so collaboration can flourish.
—Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
Candor debt accumulates when people stop speaking plainly.
—Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plainly
Adverb
-
The opportunity wasn’t lost on Shula, the rock-solid legend who sat afterward at his locker, openly crying, in a manner that stunned Dolphins personnel.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Online, conservatives have threatened to boycott the Super Bowl and the NFL more broadly, with influential voices like Newsmax host Greg Kelly and Tomi Lahren openly criticizing the league for choosing Bad Bunny as the performer.—
Lisa Respers France,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
But kudos to the Mitch Marner vote; that would certainly be something.—
Shayna Goldman,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
-
And dance it most certainly did.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Glamour,
9 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Dozens of Bay Area mayors, councilmembers and officials signed an open letter calling for Martinez to either sincerely work to repair his relationship with the Jewish community or resign.—
Sierra Lopez,
Mercury News,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Taking a closer look at the societal environments that overshadow low-income communities must be in the equation when sincerely working to stop child abuse.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
As Fed chair, Warsh would surely be pressured to do Trump’s bidding in the same way current Chair Jerome Powell has been, relentlessly.—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
8 Feb. 2026
-
But with Raman and the others grabbing varying percentages of the vote, a two-person November runoff is likely and the candidates will almost surely be Bass and Raman.—
Steve Lopez,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
There’s no better way to raise awareness for pet adoption than a playful, heartwarming — and just plain adorable — competition where everyone wins.—
Kelsey Monstrola,
USA Today,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Peacock’s interface was perfected with the 2024 Summer Olympics — getting to watch a particular team or event was just plain easy.—
Maira Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
So there are definitely more affordable opportunities here now for both buyers and owners.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Cleaning Supplies Experts agree that cleaning supplies should definitely be kept out of the kitchen.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
6 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
But honestly, the Warriors also bore little resemblance to the dynasty of that era.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The New York Times writer who tried this test nearly 20 years after it was developed answered honestly and thoughtfully, then … fell in love.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
10 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Harper says the contract should clearly state the mover’s liability for your belongings, pickup and delivery dates and all payment terms.—
Lew Sichelman,
Miami Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
-
During past outbreaks, though, health authorities at local, state, and federal levels have given that same advice—vaccinate, now—loudly, clearly, and persistently.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Plainly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plainly. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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