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
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Recent Examples of plainness
That plainness, though, adds to the sense that Death in the Family isn’t packing in unnecessary frills, just conveying what happened and following the facts.
—
Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plainness
Noun
-
There's an honesty in its depravity.—
Raven Brunner,
PEOPLE,
4 Feb. 2026
-
When the Penguins have been at their best this season, there’s been an honesty and a hardworking mentality to their game.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Warm minimalism blends simplicity with warm neutrals and natural materials to feel more inviting.—
Erica Puisis,
The Spruce,
31 Jan. 2026
-
This year, that simplicity may see a resurgence.—
Heather Bien,
Martha Stewart,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
There’s a sincerity to Spider-Man 3, combined with Raimi’s still deft understanding of Peter and Mary Jane’s relationship, that this film’s devotees point to in an attempt to reclaim it.—
James Grebey,
Vulture,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Doerr was known as intellectually boundless and possessed a kind of charisma that was rooted in sincerity.—
Allie Garfinkle,
Fortune,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Under the current setup, Amad has shown directness, assist threat and a willingness to get in behind the defence — attributes that translate well to FPL scoring.—
Abdul Rehman,
New York Times,
30 Jan. 2026
-
However, treating this relationship transition with kindness, directness and respect is your responsibility.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Denver Post,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt brushed off those comments as an example of the president’s frankness.—
Brett Samuels,
The Hill,
8 Dec. 2025
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Their frankness and loyalty are also notable when the call is in.—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
23 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Her question, in Lipe-Smith’s inquisitive piccolo of a voice, is heartbreaking in its blend of straightforwardness and desperate desire, as is her mother’s wavering response.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Both quarterbacks revisited that period with apparent bluntness.—
Daniel Brown,
New York Times,
1 Feb. 2026
-
She’s built a career on candid takes about relationships, work and the absurdities of everyday life, delivered with her trademark mix of bluntness and charm.—
Travis Pinson,
Dallas Morning News,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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WalletHub has studied deferred interest since 2012, periodically flagging retailers that offer the loans and rating their financing offers on transparency and forthrightness.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
28 Nov. 2025
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Monique’s penchant for forthrightness, almost to the point of abruptness, is what makes her reintegration to the cast fascinating already.—
Shamira Ibrahim,
Vulture,
24 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Plainness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plainness. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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