plane 1 of 4

Definition of planenext

plane

2 of 4

adjective

plane

3 of 4

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

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

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

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
However, the plane was spotted a few minutes later in waters off Newburgh, about 62 miles north of Manhattan. Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026 Then, in June 1995, Barley died in a plane crash. Michael Adno, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
Besides the Cool Springs location, the brand is also planing to open stores at Opry Mills and West Town Mall in Knoxville this fall. Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 29 Aug. 2025 Five flies in the storage area planed on pots and pans. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for plane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plane
Noun
  • Their job is to program the movable parts on an airplane’s tail and wings—the rudder, elevators, and nearly two dozen ailerons, flaperons, and spoilers—to smooth out its flight automatically when turbulence hits.
    Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
  • The 737 family of airplanes has carried more than 30 million passengers over the last 60 years, according to the manufacturer, but never has carried documents like these.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Then a mid-level Shiite cleric, Khamenei won a seat in the Iranian parliament in 1980 as a member of the Islamic Republican Party and was appointed by Khomeini to the key post of Friday prayers leader in the capital.
    DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, Arkansas Online, 2 Mar. 2026
  • The son of Khamenei, a mid-level Shiite cleric, is widely considered a potential successor.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • No distractions, no aeroplanes, no noise, no traffic.
    Emma Banks, InStyle, 4 Feb. 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • The lip exfoliators have delicate sugar crystals that gently scrub to reveal smooth, supple, flake-free lips.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Photos and video of Carrey looking decidedly fuller and smoother in the face flooded the internet over the weekend.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The garden workspace offers ample room to plant seedlings, mix soil, and organize tools with its flat work surface, drawer, hooks, and shelf.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Anderson is here for the melodrama, the special lessons and the climaxes that fall flat.
    Jessica Lipsky, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The gust tore the vertical fin from the tail and hurled it into the left horizontal stabilizer, which broke off in turn.
    Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
  • In its place is a 5-inch horizontal color TFT that leaves room above it for your phone or GPS device.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Also, take the time to pinpoint your exact aesthetic and vibe.
    Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2026
  • His exact motives remain unclear but some clues have emerged in the aftermath of the incident, which is Austin's deadliest mass shooting in 60 years.
    Tony Plohetski, Austin American Statesman, 1 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Plane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plane. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

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