Synonyms of plates

plates

noun

plural of plate

1

as in scales

a small thin piece of material that resembles an animal scale

the tiny silver plates on the brooch are arranged to look like fish scales

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scales
• sheets
• chips
• lamellae
• laminae
• slivers
• slices
• flakes
• leaves
• splints
• splinters

2

as in diagrams

something that visually explains or decorates a text

the book's color plate illustrates the internal organs of the human body

Synonyms & Similar Words

• diagrams
• graphics
• figures
• illustrations
• visuals
• pictures
• drawings
• portraits
• depictions
• artworks
• captions
• images
• representations
• arts
• illuminations
• keys
• insets
• portrayals
• pictograms
• pictographs
• explanations
• legends
• pictorializations
• clarifications
• expositions
• elucidations
• explications

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of plates

According to National Geographic, as the Arabian plate began to move further under the Eurasian plate, the two plates crumpled together, creating the Zagros Mountains — an impressive stretch of peaks that still exist in Iran. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026

Food is a highlight; Lebanese-meets-Mediterranean dishes never miss at all-day dining spot Lenea, while sunset-adjacent Japanese plates sing at Mimi Kakushi. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026

The cart serves third-shift workers, bus drivers, Uber and taxi drivers, nurses and police officers with $10 plates, $8 to $9 gyros and $1 drinks. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 2026

Use smaller plates and cups so guests can snack comfortably without crowding the puzzle table. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026

The Triglav Lodge, Slovenia's highest-altitude guest hut at an elevation of 2,515 meters (8,251 feet), is using paper plates this summer to save water on dishes. — CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

There are martinis stirred on carts, bartenders in green velvet jackets, fancy plates, and even caviar service. — Amy Cavanaugh, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

But a quick search of the collections database revealed that nearly a hundred objects associated with George Washington and the Revolutionary War—including Washington’s uniform, his battle sword, and his dinner plates—were on display. — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2026

There are probably a few mistakes that have been made near some surface plates. — Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026