1
as in simple
free from all additions or embellishment
I like my hamburgers plain, with no ketchup or relish just give us the plain facts and none of your snide comments
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pure
free from added matter
I'd prefer my pasta plain, not flavored with tomato or spinach or anything else
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in outspoken
free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions
their piano teacher is honest and plain, if not always tactful
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in straightforward
going straight to the point clearly and firmly
a plain report on the current situation
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in obvious
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation
let me make my meaning plain
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in openly
in an honest and direct manner
told her plain that he loved her
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in prairie
a broad area of level or rolling treeless country
the first settlers in that area lived on the vast plains in lonely log cabins
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2
as in expanse
a wide space or area
the vast plains of snow-covered earth that seemed to stretch endlessly
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of plain
Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 13 Feb. 2025
Stretchy, breathable, and absolutely adorable, pair this skort with everything from a plain t-shirt to an oversized turtleneck sweater.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 12 Feb. 2025
Margaret Roach, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025
Her apartment is plain white, with nothing on the walls.
—Katie Rife, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2025
Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 3 Feb. 2025
The 5-year-old Clayton likes his hot chocolate plain without marshmallows.
—Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plain
Adjective
Before the website was taken down, the only item for sale was a plain white T-shirt with a black swastika.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 13 Feb. 2025
Stretchy, breathable, and absolutely adorable, pair this skort with everything from a plain t-shirt to an oversized turtleneck sweater.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 12 Feb. 2025
Adverb
For variegated types, that’s actually the preferred way, since rooted cuttings often send up new shoots that are just plain green.
—Margaret Roach, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025
Her apartment is plain white, with nothing on the walls.
—Katie Rife, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2025
Noun
And most of the vineyards are in a 30,000-year-old riverbed that was raised up by an earthquake, creating an elevated terrace above the river plain.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 3 Feb. 2025
The 5-year-old Clayton likes his hot chocolate plain without marshmallows.
—Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plain
Adjective
-
This fund is the simplest way to play the inevitable rise in lithium prices.—
Brett Owens,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
-
Prioritizing fitness amid a busy travel schedule, the former Radio City Rockette and The Talk host says her outlook is simple.—
Meredith Lepore,
Travel + Leisure,
1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Further research on the toxicity of A. muricata and clinical trials testing the pure compounds are needed to fully elucidate its pharmacological activities and ensure the safety of A. muricata as a potential drug for various diseases.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
1 Mar. 2025
-
There will be an all-electric Ferrari by then, and Ferrari’s strategy of hedging its bets by continuing with hybrid and pure internal-combustion drivetrains alongside its new electric model might look prescient.—
Ben Oliver,
Robb Report,
1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Filming their every outspoken thought and conversation whether in the newsroom, at home, on the street or in cars driving around frigid Moscow, the director channels the growing sense of dread as the government crackdown accelerates and the war nears.—
Jordan Mintzer,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Bongino, a 50-year-old former Secret Service agent turned conservative-media commentator, is instead most well known for his outspoken support for Trump and his frequent spreading of misinformation, including about the FBI.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
TIME,
24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Yes, the story is straightforward, but the answers are not.—
David John Chávez,
The Mercury News,
19 Feb. 2025
-
The rationale is straightforward: since the administration has eliminated the CEQ regulations, and agency regulations were based on them, agencies should now align their procedures with the new CEQ framework.—
James Broughel,
Forbes,
18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Doohan faces Colapinto questions There were two obvious topics facing Alpine drivers Jack Doohan and Pierre Gasly.—
Luke Smith,
The Athletic,
22 Feb. 2025
-
Trent Frederic is going to be a very popular guy if the Bruins decide to sell, but old friend Nico Sturm would be an obvious target if the answer above is yes. 23.—
Corey Masisak,
The Denver Post,
22 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Drag slider compare photos The prairie had been prime for burning after a dry spell and powerful winds spread the flames, with the fire complex eventually growing to cover an area nearly as large as Rhode Island, killing 4,000 cattle and 8 people, and destroying 151 structures.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
12 Dec. 2024
-
Drive across mostly empty prairie for an hour and come upon Sutton Bay and the place feels nearly surreal.—
Chris Dorsey,
Forbes,
9 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
What To Know Footage from the scene captured emergency vehicles and heavily armed police stationed along one side of the memorial, a sprawling expanse of grey concrete pillars where the attack occurred.—
Tom Rogers,
Newsweek,
22 Feb. 2025
-
January was the warmest on record for the globe and, in a vast expanse of global warmth, the US sticks out like a cold, sore thumb.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
The Mercury News,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Senior officials responsible for keeping agencies honest and accountable were among those purged.—
Calvin Woodward,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Feb. 2025
-
Even from an honest left-wing perspective, Haaland’s rise has little to ...—
Paul J. Gessing,
National Review,
21 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to plain
Cite this Entry
“Plain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plain. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.
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