plane 1 of 4

plane

2 of 4

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
Dean was friends with her sister Lauren, who also died in that 1999 plane crash. Nate Jones, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025 Multiple aircraft components were found in the vicinity, and the fire damaged the plane's fuselage and wings, according to the report. Sasha Hupka, AZCentral.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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 Erect blackberries like 'Navaho' can be planed in traditional rows or grown as a hedge. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for plane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plane
Noun
  • American pilot Ethan Guo, right, prepares his airplane in Geneva, Switzerland, on August 6, 2024, before his take off from Geneva Airport for attempting a world record solo flight to all seven continents.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Sep. 2025
  • My top picks of the versatile bottoms can be worn from the airplane to running errands to hot yoga, and the best part?
    Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In both their round of 16 tie with Japan and quarter-final against Brazil, Croatia were level after 120 minutes.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Second, Apple is reportedly working on a new pro-level camera app for both photos and videos, which could either be an upgrade to the existing Final Cut Camera app or a new standalone app.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Her child looks up at the aeroplane in the sky, flying through dusk, through twilight, flying through the beginning of the end of the day.
    Deborah Levy, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Birkin famously sketched her ideal bag on an aeroplane sickness bag and the rest is history.
    Kian Bakhtiari, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Pre-season was smoother compared to last year’s disruption when the women’s team had to move out of their building to make way for the men’s team.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The reversible duvet cover is made from 100 percent organic cotton and has a honeycomb texture on one side and a smooth cotton percale finish on the other.
    Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Aston Villa, on the other hand, had a pretty flat summer, albeit redeemed by what looks like an excellent deal for Harvey Elliott on deadline day.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The Chiefs can’t come out that flat again and expect to rely on ‘Mahomes Magic’ to win on a weekly basis.
    Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The base iPhone 17 could retain the vertical bump from the iPhone 16, but the Air, Pro, and Pro Max variants could get horizontal end-to-end bumps.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 3 Sep. 2025
  • In particular, the images were grainy, showing evidence of noise that appeared in horizontal streaks across the field-of-view.
    Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • While this exact model is meant for the European market, Roborock has promised that similar ones will be making their way to the US soon.
    Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Our moments of uncanny convergence—like bumping into an old flame at the exact right (or wrong) time—function like indulgences did in the days of Martin Luther, tempting us in the promise of paradise.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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