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
The planes will operate on routes from Chicago and Philadelphia to London before expanding to other destinations like Zurich and Brisbane. Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025 The final China deal includes a commitment from China to deliver rare earths used in everything from wind turbines to jet planes, Lutnick told Bloomberg. Medora Lee, USA Today, 27 June 2025
Verb
Our ruling The Republican Party of Juneau County claimed on Facebook that planes full of unvetted refugees were being accepted to the Milwaukee and Madison airports. Sophie Carson, Journal Sentinel, 3 July 2024 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 See All Example Sentences for plane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plane
Noun
  • Imprisoned Allied soldiers hid an entire airplane in the attic of Germany’s escape-proof Colditz Castle.
    Pat Beall, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2025
  • Photograph: Getty Images Not so long ago, direct aisle access along with the ability to lie horizontally were the hallmarks of comfort on airplanes if on entering you happened to be turning right and not left.
    Jenny Southan, Wired News, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • In 2023, gold and the euro were roughly level at around 16.5% as a share of global official reserves on average, a CNBC calculation of ECB data showed.
    Jenni Reid, CNBC, 11 June 2025
  • If teams are level after normal time in any of these knockout matches, then an additional 30 minutes of extra time will be played, split over two halves.
    Will Jeanes, New York Times, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • It is inspired by the extraordinary real-life story of Mathias Rust, a young West German teenager in 1987 who shocked the world by flying through Soviet air defences and landed a Cessna aeroplane right in the middle of the Red Square.
    Annika Pham, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025
  • This is especially true with the lower circulating oxygen levels on an aeroplane, in people with breathing problems or when combined with alcohol.
    Brian Dillon, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The two sections of the building are constructed of a spruce framework clad in smooth oak panels, while the central gate is made from traditional 6-inch pine logs.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 June 2025
  • Ultimately, the app's cross-platform availability, nifty AI tools, and smooth sharing features earn it our Editors' Choice award for photo editing.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Like much of his work, the sculptures evolved intuitively—from flat paper puppets to freestanding forms to these towering outdoor figures.
    Nargess Banks, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Kelly Clarkson Home Soprano Indoor Rug This tan, flat woven rug is ideal for bringing a natural texture into any space — whether giving the entryway a refresh or anchoring a cozy breakfast nook.
    Jacqueline Tempera, People.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Effective methods for staking dahlias include posts with twine, heavy-duty tomato cages, individual stakes, or horizontal netting.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2025
  • This year will feature a new firing system capable of launching shells at a faster pace than ever, as well as additions to allow for horizontal launches from the bridge, instead of just vertical ignitions.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • Modelled directly after the team’s 2025 season design, the helmet is finished in Coinbase’s signature electric blue to present an exact replica of the real thing, just dramatically oversized.
    Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • While the exact reasons behind the latest moves were unclear, the wild swings in the Taiwan dollar over the past two trading sessions come as domestic firms — including life insurers and exporters — prepare to release their half-year financial reports.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Plane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plane. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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