Synonyms of plane

plane 1 of 4

noun

ˈplān 

as in airplane

a vehicle for traveling through the air that has fixed wings for lift

a plane flew overhead

Synonyms & Similar Words

• airplane
• aeroplane
• airliner
• aircraft
• ship
• airship
• jet
• bomber
• airframe
• tractor
• biplane
• freighter
• liner
• tanker
• jetliner
• seaplane
• air taxi
• turboprop
• turbojet
• fighter
• supersonic
• rocket plane
• supersonic transport
• aerospace plane
• glider
• warplane
• amphibian
• trimotor
• aerodyne
• trijet
• triplane
• superjet
• torpedo bomber
• sailplane
• lightplane
• jump jet
• towplane
• tilt-rotor
• air-cushion vehicle

plane

2 of 4

adjective

as in level

having a surface without bends, breaks, or irregularities

you can do these tracings on any plane surface

Synonyms & Similar Words

• level
• smooth
• flat
• horizontal
• exact
• even
• vertical
• uniform
• true
• regular
• straight
• flush
• aligned
• plumb
• tabular

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rough
• coarse
• bumpy
• uneven
• lumpy
• warped
• irregular
• wavy
• undulating
• inexact
• undulatory
• unsmoothed
• unaligned
• pitted
• pockmarked
• pocky

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

• smooth
• shave
• rake
• flatten
• even
• trim
• level
• lay
• clip
• comb
• surface
• crop
• smoothen
• pare
• card
• prune
• spread
• press

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rough
• roughen
• wrinkle
• bend
• pit
• kink
• dent
• coarsen
• rumple

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

• fly
• wing
• hover
• sail
• glide
• float
• soar
• drift
• aviate
• coast
• dart
• helicopter
• flutter
• jet
• sweep
• orbit
• waft
• rocket
• cruise
• hang
• flit
• catapult
• dive
• stoop

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

Recent Examples of plane

Noun

The project concluded with a tragic flood; the worst rain followed the path of the seeding plane. — Rana Mitter, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026

Jeanne O’Brien, one of the tourists on board, recalled realizing the plane was heading toward the dock moments before impact. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026

This number obviously decreases as planes are taking off and landing around airports, where air traffic controllers are able to maintain safe distances between flights. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026

Nantucket is accessible exclusively by air and sea, requiring travelers to arrive by ferry or plane, per the Town of Nantucket. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026