planing 1 of 2

verb (1)

Definition of planingnext
present participle of plane
as in smoothing
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

planing

2 of 2

verb (2)

present participle of plane
as in flying
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

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 planing
Verb
Additional deployments are planing in the coming months, KetteQ said. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 13 Aug. 2026 Atapco was planing to give the Aria Homeowner’s Association $100,000 to use at its discretion on infrastructure improvements, such as speed bumps. — Desiree Mathurin april 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026 It is built on an aluminum semi-planing hull designed for high-speed operations, exceeding 45 knots. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for planing
  1. smoothing
  2. flying
  3. shaving
  4. sailing
  5. trimming
  6. hovering
  7. gliding
Verb
  • The combination bristles feel amazing on my scalp (like the best head scratch ever) while also smoothing my incredibly frizzy hair.
    — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Water from the lakes is also used to generate hydroelectric power and to ensure a steady, predictable flow of water downstream, smoothing the water supply during droughts and when snowpack in the Rocky Mountains is low.
    — Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of smoothing
Verb
  • On the other is a relief depiction of a Kremlin in flames, with a drone flying over it.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Over the coming months, avionics, scientific instruments and thermal insulation will gradually transform the frame into the flying science laboratory destined for the outer solar system.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of flying
Verb
  • With competition so fierce in the race to build and release the latest AI models however, the expediency of shaving off every possible drag on speed trumps all.
    — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Kath is competitive only about things that matter, like logging steps or shaving her legs, and the game had no bearing on her reality.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of shaving
Verb
  • Offensive notes Tommy DeVito settled in nicely after sailing some early throws.
    — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 15 Aug. 2026
  • That comment followed news that the USS George Washington is now sailing to the Middle East and is expected to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, which has been at sea for some 250 days and not had a port call for more than 200.
    — Alexander Smith, NBC news, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of sailing
Verb
  • The machine is programmed in advance, allowing landscapers to complete other tasks, such as trimming and cleanup, while the mower cuts the grass.
    — Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Moving basil to full sun, watering consistently, and trimming leggy stems can revitalize it late in the season.
    — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of trimming
Verb
  • No one will string the words together and actually say it out loud, but as former players and Campbell tap-dance around the uncomfortable question about what’s changed, the message hovering between the lines is not difficult to read.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Average costs for the potassium-rich fruit have seen little change as of late, hovering between 65 and 67 cents over the last 12 months.
    — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of hovering
Verb
  • In the videos, shot by drone by Joanna Steidle, the creatures can be seen gliding just beneath the water’s surface like hundreds of raviolis floating in aquamarine broth.
    — Sanidhya Sharma, Scientific American, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Video from his dash camera shows the aircraft gliding under a highway sign, missing it by mere feet, before touching down in the empty lanes.
    — Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of gliding

Browse Nearby Words

plangent
planing
planish
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Cite this Entry

“Planing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/planing. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on planing

Nglish: Translation of planing for Spanish Speakers

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