plainness

noun

Definition of plainnessnext
1
as in honesty
the free expression of one's true feelings and opinions his unabashed plainness in telling people exactly what he thought of them was often offensive

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in simplicity
the quality or state of having a form or structure of few parts or elements the plainness and clean lines of that coffeemaker make it a piece of modern sculpture as well as a kitchen appliance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 plainness The sheer fact of filming fills a frame, even one composed with quasi-documentary plainness, with a plethora of details of narrative, expressive, aesthetic, intellectual, and historical import. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 9 July 2026 To understand why men might have adopted a clothing system that prioritized plainness and conformity over color and change, this book investigates the gradual crystallization of this civic uniform of masculinity. — Literary Hub, 25 June 2026 Matthew Arnold, in the 19th century, famously said the qualities of Homer are the plainness, the rapidity, and the nobility. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 23 June 2026 The through-line across all of it – the music, the acting, the international stages – is a pair of principles Lo articulates with plainness. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plainness
  1. honesty
  2. simplicity
  3. sincerity
  4. directness
  5. frankness
  6. straightforwardness
  7. bluntness
  8. forthrightness
Noun
  • The host then praises the coach's honesty and the panel's grace.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Both help make the case that unfamous people, in all their honesty and complexity, are as worthy of our attention as celebrities.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of honesty
Noun
  • Listing just seven items on the menu, Sehzade Cag Kebap impresses with simplicity, outstanding flavors, and efficient service.
    — CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The trending eye shadow aesthetics have evolved since then, and simplicity is reigning in its place.
    — Elle Turner, Glamour, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of simplicity
Noun
  • This is what gives the film its experiential sincerity — the lived perspective of its Ukrainian crew leaving a nonfictional trace across every level of the fiction, something Stever handles with unusual reverence.
    — Sonya Vseliubska, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Though the familiar tropes of YA storytelling exist throughout, the series engages with the genre’s conventions earnestly and with sincerity, says Halsall.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of sincerity
Noun
  • The songwriting of the era became another source of inspiration, particularly its directness and simplicity.
    — Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • While Arsenal’s directness from last summer’s friendlies did not stick, the Rice-Zubimendi partnership did, showing how important these warm-up matches can be.
    — Art de Roché, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of directness
Noun
  • The show also depicts its hardships with disarming frankness, even verging on despondency.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Her love for the city is palpable, imbued with her frankness, her fun, her queerness, and her history.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026
Definition of frankness
Noun
  • But the Windows handheld software experience on the Claw is just awful compared to the straightforwardness of SteamOS on the Steam Deck.
    — Jay Peters, The Verge, 23 June 2026
  • On Monday morning, Starmer, whose resignation has appeared inevitable for some time, delivered the news with his customary straightforwardness.
    — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 22 June 2026
Definition of straightforwardness
Noun
  • The Venezuela native never shied away from bluntness — and profanity — in assessing players, plays, games or whatever.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Their snobbery is juxtaposed with Carney’s friend and colleague Pepper’s unsettling bluntness and eyeball to eyeball stare.
    — Leigh Haber, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of bluntness
Noun
  • Alvarado has had to address that in the wake of the film’s release, and perhaps that forthrightness has aided the box office.
    — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 22 July 2026
  • Your forthrightness will set the tone for future dates.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 6 June 2026
Definition of forthrightness

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Cite this Entry

“Plainness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plainness. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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