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
As the first episode revealed, Stacy’s husband, Preston — played by Russell — dies in a plane crash while visiting his brother (played by Fox) at their Montana ranch. Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 14 Apr. 2026 Carlo Scarpa’s Brion Sanctuary in northern Italy, constructed in the 1970s, sets off heavy concrete geometries, like relics of some sci-fi antiquity, against flat planes of water and grass. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
The Magellano’s Dual Mode Hull, a signature feature that has been on the vessels since the series started, is a semi-planing hull with a vertical bow. Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for plane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plane
Noun
  • Amazon's limited-time deals include hanging toiletry bags, compression packing cubes (a non-negotiable for staying organized on the road), passport holders, and an airplane foot rest that even flight attendants swear by.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The deice agents observed the airplane beginning to move forward, and no one was able to stop the airplane's movement.
    Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Something about them having passed away allows for them to be presented on a level playing field, and this is what excites me about this exhibit.
    Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Tillman is a mid-level, mainstream Republican operative who has worked mostly at the state level.
    Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 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
  • Personal Microderm Pro features smooth glide caps, dual speed settings and a full range of exfoliation discs to customize your treatment.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Rousouli is equally essential to Titanique's success, delivering a Jack Dawson who balances matinee-idol charm and a smooth tenor with a fearless willingness to lean into the absurd.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This prototype’s appears flat under the vinyl, unlike the coupe’s, which has a scalloped center and raised side rails.
    Byron Hurd, The Drive, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Their songs are the hardest to sing and there were some flat notes sung Wednesday.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Mason's Law proposed Mason's Law would mandate the marking, guarding, or grading of horizontal storm drains of certain diameters.
    Christian Olaniran, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
  • The horizontal orientation of this house seems to celebrate the views all around, almost as if to say the real star is the scene of the mountains just beyond.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Matching five numbers without the Powerball number is enough to result in a seven-figure prize, with the exact payout dependent on ticket add-ons.
    Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026
  • And of course, that is the exact area where injuries have hit at the worst possible time.
    Arpon Basu, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Plane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plane. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.

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