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 Miami-Dade Aviation Department and a company called Wisk Aero are working together to bring all-electric self-flying planes to South Florida. Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 17 June 2025 With advancements in technique, surgeons can safely navigate prior surgical planes and create exceptionally natural results. Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 16 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
  • With a touch of a button, the airplane lands itself.
    Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • The airplane impacted one residential structure and 20 vehicles, which were damaged or destroyed by impact or post-impact fire.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 19 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
  • Building on the smooth R&B of her 2016 fan-favorite Lauren EP, Just Keke finds its narrative anchor in spoken word interludes that emphasize the album’s overarching variety show concept.
    Kyle Denis, Billboard, 25 June 2025
  • Its smooth satin materiality makes the shoe easy to fold and travel-friendly, while ensuring a barefoot-like feel that not many other top white sneakers can secure.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • The potential impact on retirees’ finances comes from stock market returns that could be flat or negative while the cost of their living expenses rises due to inflation.
    Steve Vernon, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • Markets and oil prices were flat in U.S. U.S. stocks hovered around the flatline Wednesday.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • This innovation creates a more spacious and efficient layout that enables vertical and horizontal flow throughout the yacht.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 20 June 2025
  • But when the National Renewable Energy Laboratory assumed responsibility for renewables, turbine design and engineering moved there; horizontal was the design of choice at the lab.
    Llewellyn King, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • That raises real concerns about whether SGA and Co. can make the right plays against Indiana's defensive pressure in Game 7. Ironically, many expected this exact issue -- pressure defense forcing turnovers and leading to easy offense the other way -- to play a huge role in these Finals.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025
  • The Ceremony Even the guests have not yet been informed of the ceremony’s exact location.
    Beth Landman, HollywoodReporter, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Plane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plane. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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