1
as in simple
free from all additions or embellishment
I like my hamburgers plain, with no ketchup or relish just give us the plain facts and none of your snide comments
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pure
free from added matter
I'd prefer my pasta plain, not flavored with tomato or spinach or anything else
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3
as in outspoken
free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions
their piano teacher is honest and plain, if not always tactful
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4
as in straightforward
going straight to the point clearly and firmly
a plain report on the current situation
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5
as in obvious
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation
let me make my meaning plain
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as in openly
in an honest and direct manner
told her plain that he loved her
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1
as in prairie
a broad area of level or rolling treeless country
the first settlers in that area lived on the vast plains in lonely log cabins
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2
as in expanse
a wide space or area
the vast plains of snow-covered earth that seemed to stretch endlessly
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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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of plain
Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 27 June 2025
Investing in arts and culture is good policy — plain and simple.
—Megan Beyer, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025
Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2025
To keep your treat as healthy and nutritious as possible, keep it to a plain dark chocolate bar.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 May 2025
Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 29 May 2025
New York City's Comptroller, Brad Lander, says the value of the property in New York City's flood plain is now $176 billion and few people are going to move out of harm's way.
—Laura Sullivan, NPR, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for plain
Adjective
The last shot is a plain trailer closet door, cracked open.
—Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 27 June 2025
Investing in arts and culture is good policy — plain and simple.
—Megan Beyer, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025
Adverb
Even an insurance agent couldn’t figure out how to safeguard his vegetable and poultry farm against unpredictable weather and plain old bad luck.
—Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2025
To keep your treat as healthy and nutritious as possible, keep it to a plain dark chocolate bar.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 May 2025
Noun
The surface is rife with distinct geologic features, such as ridges, plains, and cracks, that cross over each other.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 29 May 2025
New York City's Comptroller, Brad Lander, says the value of the property in New York City's flood plain is now $176 billion and few people are going to move out of harm's way.
—Laura Sullivan, NPR, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for plain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plain
Adjective
-
The simplest ideas in mathematics can also be the most perplexing.—
Leila Sloman,
Wired News,
29 June 2025
-
This simple, clear shift in communication started to highlight the reality of who was contributing what.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
Add in the pure creativity and skill of Lucas Raymond and Alex DeBrincat (legit competitors in their own rights, albeit in smaller bodies), and the two-way play of Dylan Larkin and Nate Danielson, and the future forward lineup starts to look pretty balanced.—
Max Bultman,
New York Times,
29 June 2025
-
As Electrek points out, the E-VO isn't a pure Honda product.—
Utkarsh Sood
June 29,
New Atlas,
29 June 2025
Adjective
-
Newsom, however, was an outspoken opponent of the proposition.—
George Skelton,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2025
-
The Democratic lawmakers have been outspoken critics of conditions at the centers amid concerns over overcrowding and detainee deaths.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
This was a more straightforward implementation than expected.—
Steve Banker,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
Photo Credit: Emma Falk Via The Chicago Sky Lee advised the group to be straightforward and authentic and to maximize their time.—
Essence,
Essence,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
But before checking for ripeness, start by inspecting the pineapple for any obvious signs of damage or spoilage, including bruising, soft spots, wrinkled skin, or dry, brown leaves.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
22 June 2025
-
This is an obvious chips-in move for them after their half-court offense face-planted against the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
Adjective
-
What is your secret to remaining an innovator in your field? To be honest, I get inspired.—
Nigel Smith,
People.com,
23 June 2025
-
The people of Maryland deserve an honest conversation — not one driven by fear or false urgency.—
Joanne Frederick,
Baltimore Sun,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
The Fed on June 18 opted to hold the federal funds rate — what banks charge each other for overnight loans — steady for a fourth straight meeting.—
Anne Marie D. Lee,
CBS News,
1 July 2025
-
The Indiana Fever will be without guard Caitlin Clark for the third straight game after announcing that the 2025 All-Star Game captain will remain sidelined with a groin injury from the Commissioner’s Cup Championship game against the Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday night.—
Paulina Dedaj,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
The Turchin family’s lifelong passion for art and design was evident across all the rooms.—
Kate Van Dyke,
Travel + Leisure,
28 June 2025
-
That reality is evident almost just from the scale.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Plain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plain. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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