plainly

adverb

Definition of plainlynext
1
as in openly
in an honest and direct manner you'll have to tell your relatives very plainly that you don't like perfume, or they'll keep giving it to you

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in certainly
without any question your wife is plainly upset that you didn't invite her to the game with us

Synonyms & Similar Words

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for plainly
  1. certainly
  2. sincerely
  3. surely
  4. plain
  5. definitely
  6. clearly
  7. honestly
  8. sure
Adverb
  • But as recipes like Lobster Mac and Cheese Casserole and Macaroni and Cheese with Cashew Cream and Broccoli prove, kids at heart (aka adults like us) can—and should—certainly enjoy mac meals, too.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Jan. 2025
  • The potential differences, even after trades, almost certainly will not be large enough to sway Sasaki.
    Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025
Definition of certainly
Adverb
  • All this said, why not take a minute on Christmas to sincerely thank your own genuine Santa?
    Mike Masterson, arkansasonline.com, 24 Dec. 2024
  • When faced with perspectives and opinions that run counter to their own, nonprofit leaders should consider them with the most charitable interpretation—not as a personal attack or a moral transgression, but something the opposing side sincerely believes.
    Shaun Carver, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Definition of sincerely
Adverb
  • While Otter surely filled his dance card for years, choosing whom to dance with proved very challenging.
    John Tamny, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025
  • Additionally, the second part of Wicked, now subtitled, For Good, is set to hit theaters on Nov. 21, which will surely mean another global press tour.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 31 Dec. 2024
Definition of surely
Adverb
  • Celebrities, producers and just plain old fans are remembering actress Linda Lavin, who died December 29 at 87.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 30 Dec. 2024
  • But sometimes chargers are few and far between, out of service, crowded, or just plain janky.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 25 Dec. 2024
Definition of plain
Adverb
  • And definitely take advantage of Hotel Ranga’s Northern Lights wake-up call.
    Rebecca Deurlein, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025
  • These cherry ones will definitely perk up your utensil drawer.
    Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 1 Jan. 2025
Definition of definitely
Adverb
  • One of the things that the world has learned so clearly about decarbonization is that there is no social license for decarbonization pathways that put upward pressure on consumer prices.
    Justine Calma, The Verge, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Razer is clearly gunning for Apple with its Razer Blade 16, which is significantly thinner than last year's model.
    Eric Zeman, PCMAG, 10 Jan. 2025
Definition of clearly
Adverb
  • Iannucci comes honestly to his cynicism about those in power.
    Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Try to answer honestly, but keep things age-appropriate.
    Tamekia Reece, Parents, 8 Jan. 2025
Definition of honestly
Adverb
  • If the character isn't based on Baldoni, there sure are a lot of coincidences.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Stephen Schwartz’s songs sure do soar in this film, and golly, a 100-piece orchestra is beyond joyous.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 1 Jan. 2025
Definition of sure
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near plainly

plain Janes

plainly

plainness

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Cite this Entry

“Plainly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plainly. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on plainly

Nglish: Translation of plainly for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of plainly for Arabic Speakers

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