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
The plane crashed in a cornfield and stand of trees more than 3 miles from Charlotte’s airport, killing 72 of the 82 people aboard. Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2025 Crewman grabbed onto the light plane with their bare hands to make sure it wasn’t blown off the deck in the strong winds coming across it. Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
Erect blackberries like 'Navaho' can be planed in traditional rows or grown as a hedge. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2025 Although planed and sanded to prevent splinters, the barnwood has a natural, untreated appearance for a casual wood kitchen cabinet color and finish. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2024 See All Example Sentences for plane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plane
Noun
  • On April 28, North Vietnamese forces attacked Tan Son Nhut Air Base in Saigon, making an evacuation by airplane impossible.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025
  • And a meal at a restaurant — and, by extension, a meal on an airplane, even in first class — is a commercial transaction.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • First of all, the number of civilian federal employees, about 2.3 million, not including postal workers, has been roughly level for the past 60 years.
    Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 16 Feb. 2025
  • Sabalenka broke Keys twice, took control of the second set, and suddenly the scores were level.
    Issy Ronald, CNN, 25 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • It is inspired by the extraordinary real-life story of Mathias Rust, a young West German teenager in 1987 who shocked the world by flying through Soviet air defences and landed a Cessna aeroplane right in the middle of the Red Square.
    Annika Pham, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025
  • This is especially true with the lower circulating oxygen levels on an aeroplane, in people with breathing problems or when combined with alcohol.
    Brian Dillon, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Antioxidant-rich extracts from green tea and ginseng nourish, while lactic acid works in tandem to offer gentle exfoliation for a smoother texture.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Take a moment to consider whether your work efforts feel smoother, easier, or less daunting than the first time around.
    Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • By the time the teams play, Mikel Arteta’s side will either be in a buoyant mood, having edged past Paris Saint-Germain to reach the Champions League final in Munich, or flat, their season of huge promise having failed to deliver silverware.
    Tom Burrows, New York Times, 3 May 2025
  • Year-to-date, E-Transit sales are flat at 3,948 sold.
    Jamie L. LaReau, USA Today, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Grammy Award-winning artist styled a pair of loose-fitting black jeans with coordinated flats and a Balenciaga polo in a base shade of blue with black and faint pink horizontal stripes.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 Apr. 2025
  • That battery-electric, four-passenger aircraft will take off and land vertically, then transition to horizontal flight at speeds of up to 150mph.
    Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Happening to pass down the street at the exact moment Lily is emerging from Peel’s store, Steve immediately intuits what has happened.
    Vivian Gornick, The Atlantic, 3 May 2025
  • And yet, the two overlap to an extent, though the exact amount of intersection isn’t entirely clear.
    Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 2 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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