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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Verb
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
Verb
-
As a wellness enthusiast who has seen Paris slowly catch up to cities like London in cutting-edge treatments, I was impressed by the Kobi-Dior offering, a luxurious take on the centuries-old Japanese wrinkle-smoothing facial.—
Lane Nieset,
Travel + Leisure,
12 June 2026
-
This thong offers minimal coverage while offering the benefit of smoothing your lower stomach.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
After flying overnight from San Antonio back to the Big Apple, Jose Alvarado, also a native New Yorker, took part in a local Puerto Rican Day Parade, and the mayor joined him in the fun.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
15 June 2026
-
Videos circulating online show Eduarda flying through the air, both arms outstretched, in the moments before her death.—
Alicia Victoria Lozano,
NBC news,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
The researchers estimated that those who got neither bright days nor dark nights were shaving five years off their lives.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 June 2026
-
The criticism died down only after shaving off nanoseconds became widespread, making the strategy less profitable.—
Gary Sernovitz,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
During the low tide and full moon, most of the vessels don't go sailing.—
Nicole F. Roberts,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
-
As of June 10, the cheapest fare available on any cruise was $187 per person, based on double occupancy, for a three-day voyage to the line’s exclusive destination on Grand Bahama, Celebration Key, sailing round-trip from Miami aboard Carnival Conquest.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Ensuring your porch is unwelcoming by relocating bird baths or feeders and trimming nearby trees can prevent birds from making nests.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
13 June 2026
-
Midfielder Mauricio pulled one back for Paraguay in the 73rd minute, trimming the United States' lead to 3-1.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
Given that the average credit card APR is hovering above 21% right now, even modest balances can become expensive to carry over time.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
-
Photos from the incident showed dozens of rescuers hovering over the narrow hole, which was roughly five feet wide, while lowering a ladder down to the man.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
On the basketball court, Miami Heat superstar Jimmy Butler has carved a 14-year career by gliding through space with the melodic flow of an orchestra.—
Rachel Davies,
Architectural Digest,
12 June 2026
-
Ice skating’s governing body is gliding into a presidential election Friday, free of the turmoil that just gripped its Olympic sibling skiing.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Planing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/planing. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
