plane 1 of 4

plane

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adjective

plane

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verb (1)

as in to smooth
to make free from breaks, curves, or bumps planed the wood for the picnic table perfectly smooth so that no one would get splinters

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

plane

4 of 4

verb (2)

as in to fly
to move through the air with or as if with outstretched wings an eagle planed effortlessly overhead, gliding on an air current

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective plane contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of plane are even, flat, level, and smooth. While all these words mean "having a surface without bends, curves, or irregularities," plane applies to any real or imaginary flat surface in which a straight line between any two points on it lies wholly within that surface.

the plane sides of a crystal

When could even be used to replace plane?

While the synonyms even and plane are close in meaning, even applies to a surface that is noticeably flat or level or to a line that is observably straight.

trim the hedge so it is even

When is it sensible to use flat instead of plane?

While in some cases nearly identical to plane, flat applies to a surface devoid of noticeable curvatures, prominences, or depressions.

the work surface must be flat

Where would level be a reasonable alternative to plane?

The meanings of level and plane largely overlap; however, level applies to a horizontal surface that lies on a line parallel with the horizon.

the vast prairies are nearly level

When might smooth be a better fit than plane?

In some situations, the words smooth and plane are roughly equivalent. However, smooth applies especially to a polished surface free of irregularities.

a smooth skating rink

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 plane
Noun
Not only has the move imposed financial constraints on the Colombian leader, but his official duties abroad have been affected, with multiple airports refusing to refuel his presidential plane due to the sanctions. Alfie Pannell, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025 First, the aircraft’s fuselage emerged from inside a specialized cargo plane, known as an Airbus Beluga because of its resemblance to beluga whales. Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
All this culminates in a debut album, Addison, that planes down contemporary pop influences into an ooze of familiarity, faintly evoking innovations in underground and alternative music without stepping out of its playlist-friendly lane. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 6 June 2025 Erect blackberries like 'Navaho' can be planed in traditional rows or grown as a hedge. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for plane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plane
Noun
  • One Coy Hill release even had a special cork made to contain the volcanic whiskey within, which was bottled between 143 and 155 proof—that’s certifiable hazmat, as any whiskey over 140 proof (70 percent ABV) is deemed unsafe to bring onboard an airplane.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The length hits just below the butt, which is ideal for cozying up in a chilly airplane cabin or after a sweaty hot yoga session.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • In the 1950’s, Macy’s, Sears and Penney began expanding with large, multi-level stores thanks to the mushrooming of suburban malls across the country.
    Phil Wahba, Fortune, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Public health advocates are also pushing to expand the scope of practice for dental therapists, mid-level providers who can perform fillings and extractions under supervision.
    Sixteen Ramos, AZCentral.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The technology can fuel any form of transport, including yachts, ships, ferries, aeroplanes, trains, cars, buses, and trucks.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Her child looks up at the aeroplane in the sky, flying through dusk, through twilight, flying through the beginning of the end of the day.
    Deborah Levy, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The TikTok-beloved Dyson Supersonic is designed to protect hair from extreme heat damage and frizz while leaving locks extra smooth and shiny.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The hatch handles well and has a smooth ride quality.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Set it upright on a flat, hard surface, such as concrete or pavers.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Wall Street’s fear gauge, the CBOE Volatility Index, finished the day relatively flat but had jumped as much as 16% earlier as a tech sell-off weighed on sentiment.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Their horizontal flows push magnetic field lines toward the edges of the cells, creating a web of strong magnetic regions.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2025
  • To make these adorable wine cork place cards, cut a horizontal slit across the top of the wine cork and slide in a place card.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • While the exact details of the deal are unknown, it was reported that Sony made an initial $25 million profit from producing the film for Netflix.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 11 Nov. 2025
  • The exact placement of that narrow band will determine who could see a few inches and who might see more than a foot.
    Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Plane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plane. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.

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