plumb 1 of 3

plumb

2 of 3

adverb

1
as in straight
in a direct line or course I can't believe he walked plumb into the tree, without even seeing it!

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3

plumb

3 of 3

verb

as in to scale
to measure the depth of (as a body of water) typically with a weighted line plumbed the bay to make sure it was deep enough for the ship

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective plumb differ from other similar words?

The words perpendicular and vertical are common synonyms of plumb. While all three words mean "being at right angles to a base line," plumb stresses an exact verticality determined (as with a plumb line) by earth's gravity.

make sure that the wall is plumb

When might perpendicular be a better fit than plumb?

Although the words perpendicular and plumb have much in common, perpendicular may stress the straightness of a line making a right angle with any other line, not necessarily a horizontal one.

the parallel bars are perpendicular to the support posts

In what contexts can vertical take the place of plumb?

In some situations, the words vertical and plumb are roughly equivalent. However, vertical suggests a line or direction rising straight upward toward a zenith.

the side of the cliff is almost vertical

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 plumb
Adjective
Mars will appear plumb against its sparkling stars tonight — though the couple of nights either side will also give a great binocular view. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 Its clean lines with plumb bow at first appear European, though the twin outboards at the stern signify it as an American boat. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
That comedy, about a father who becomes a serial killer that sucks victims into his rectum, also plumbed an unserious premise for droll laughs and modest surprises. J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 18 Mar. 2025 As far as telling them apart, the big difference between a scullery and a butler's pantry is that a butler's pantry is not plumbed, where a scullery is. 3 Ways To Use A Scullery Not just used for dishwashing, the possibilities are endless for this second kitchen. Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for plumb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plumb
Adjective
  • With utter naturalism, Kulumbegashvili and her star dramatize a cruel, sexist reality that’s as unescapable as that inexplicable creature that repeatedly invades the story, its faceless presence a chilling, surreal metaphor for a society preying on Nina and her patients.
    Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
  • Both looked to the heavens — well, the Ball Arena rafters — in utter disbelief.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Climb near vertical steps to the towers of the huge gothic Basilica del Voto Nacional for outrageous views over the undulating skyline of city blocks and Andean mountains.
    Duncan Madden, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • With a flattering mix of horizontal and vertical lines, this maxi brings just enough visual interest to feel elevated.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2025
Adverb
  • At his first major since winning the Masters to complete the career Grand Slam, McIlroy didn’t make birdie over his last 12 holes and had nothing to say about that after a 3-over 74 sent him straight to the range.
    Doug Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
  • In partnership with Loloi Rugs, the brand is bringing Joanna Gaines' classic farmhouse style straight to your own home.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2025
Adverb
  • If those conversations do happen, Dr. Brady stresses the importance of listening fully and without judgment.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • Seems like old collaborators are coming around to explore Del Toro’s acting arsenal more fully.
    Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
Adverb
  • The clerk's office for Cook County, Illinois, where the pontiff lived previously, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • On hearing the news that the new pope had been chosen Nicole and Ryan, a couple from New York, immediately came down to Saint Peter’s Square.
    Katie Primm, NBC news, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • That facility can scale up to 1 million square feet, which would translate into about 40,000 garments.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 15 May 2025
  • Furthermore, businesses have been improving their level of preparedness in the critical area of technology infrastructure, according to the survey, in anticipation of scaling their GenAI initiatives.
    Christine Ahn, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • By the time markets closed on Monday, the rebound was complete, with traders actually up from January thanks to the biggest day of gains since tariffs tanked confidence.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 12 May 2025
  • Walt Disney World is gearing up for a fantastic summer, complete with a new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom, two new shows debuting at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and a slew of new activities for guests at select resorts.
    Megan duBois, Southern Living, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • In the proceeding years, visitors who wanted to spend the night in the park could rent houseboats, erect tents, or park their camper vans or RVs, but the nearest hotel was located about an hour away in Florida City.
    Mariette Williams, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Salvia nemorosa Sun Exposure: Full sun Soil Type: Dry to medium, well-draining, average Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (5.5-6.5) USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8 The erect flower spikes of meadow sage add dramatic texture and contrast to rose bushes.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Plumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plumb. Accessed 19 May. 2025.

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