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
Cohen posted smiling pictures of himself from the cargo bay of the military plane. Avi Asher-Schapiro, ProPublica, 24 Mar. 2026 The collision late Sunday came after the fire truck was given permission to check on another plane that had aborted its takeoff after reporting an odor on board and started crossing the tarmac. ABC News, 24 Mar. 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
  • While much of an airplane is made of aluminum, the nose tip, which houses the radar equipment, is made of plastic.
    Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 23 Mar. 2026
  • Einsetler said coordination between emergency equipment moving across runways and airplanes is a key priority for air traffic controllers.
    Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The warming trend continues throughout the week as a mid-level ridge persists.
    Lauren Bostwick, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
  • L’Oréal Paris’ Voluminous Panorama Mascara has a multi-level one that’s firmer and wider at the base and tapers into a thinner and more flexible tip.
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 18 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
  • Diamond Crystal or Morton kosher salt to reserved bowl with saffron; whisk until smooth.
    Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Mar. 2026
  • December 22 – January 19 Small systems make your day run smoother.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The key to a wardrobe staple is its year-round sensibility, and flat boots are a chic, practical option that transitions seamlessly between seasons.
    Minty Mellon, Vogue, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Indiana is flat and sunny — possibly to the chagrin of the state's tourism board — and a complicated network of power lines operates like a massive expressway, shuttling electrons across the region.
    Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s head coach Reid kissing the Super Bowl trophy, quarterback Mahomes throwing a pass while horizontal in midair and Hall of Fame QB Len Dawson puffing on a cigarette in an image football fans know well.
    Lisa Gutierrez March 20, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Made to visibly improve horizontal lines on the neck and loss of definition along the jawline, commonly known as Tech Neck.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Officials also released a photo of Campos allegedly leaving a hotel in New Mexico, although the exact time and place the photo was purportedly taken wasn't immediately clear.
    Austen Erblat, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Imagine discovering that someone else lives at your exact address — 15 miles away.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Plane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plane. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.

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