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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in straightforward
going straight to the point clearly and firmly
a plain report on the current situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in obvious
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation
let me make my meaning plain
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in openly
in an honest and direct manner
told her plain that he loved her
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 8 July 2025
In Baked Goods: Add it to thumbprint cookies, roll it into puff pastry for tropical danishes, or swirl it into plain cheesecake batter for a fruity twist.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2025
Olga Mecking, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 July 2025
Plus, this movie, written by Richard Matheson, is just plain exciting as hell.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 June 2025
Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
Across the fruited plain, the presence of a vast population (estimates vary, but even ...
—Jack Butler, National Review, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for plain
Adjective
Just a few capfuls of this creamy blend transform plain water into a skin-softening soak, thanks to nourishing milk proteins, oat extract, and Japanese camellia oil.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 8 July 2025
In Baked Goods: Add it to thumbprint cookies, roll it into puff pastry for tropical danishes, or swirl it into plain cheesecake batter for a fruity twist.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2025
Adverb
But in Europe, including Poland, the bagel is not coming back in its original version—served and eaten plain—but in its New York rendition, with toppings like cream cheese and lox.
—Olga Mecking, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 July 2025
Plus, this movie, written by Richard Matheson, is just plain exciting as hell.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 June 2025
Noun
Menus highlight dishes deeply influenced by regional cooking traditions and techniques, served in dining rooms that look out onto sweeping plains and soaring volcanoes.
—Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
Across the fruited plain, the presence of a vast population (estimates vary, but even ...
—Jack Butler, National Review, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for plain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plain
Adjective
-
The mower mulches the grass into super fine clippings and catches them in the attached bag, which was simple to remove and empty.—
Brandi Fuller,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 July 2025
-
Nearby is the kitchen, which is compact and simple as standard.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
In many ways, the time trial is the purest form of cycling — a body and a bike, alone against the clock, but its engineering focus means that wealthier teams often excel.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
-
Happening in early May, the festival’s events are pure Americana.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
While Trump was weighing the decision to strike Iran's nuclear sites, Vance came to the president's defense after supporters like Tucker Carlson and those in the MAGA base were outspoken against the U.S. getting involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran.—
Hannah Demissie,
ABC News,
5 July 2025
-
Most outspoken were the parents of Kaylee Goncalves, who worked this week to inspire supporters to call the judge, the U.S. Department of Justice and Gov. Brad Little’s office to force Kohberger’s capital murder trial to proceed, in pursuit of a possible death sentence.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
3 July 2025
Adjective
-
Trent Sherfield Starting point: This group looks from here like a pretty straightforward set.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
13 July 2025
-
Textor’s relationship with Palace has been far from straightforward over his four-year involvement.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
12 July 2025
Adjective
-
And then there are the descriptions of the additional terms, which may not be obvious.—
Erik Sherman,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
But a sharp turn straight into country seems like far too obvious a path for a singer-songwriter who has quietly done her own thing.—
Julyssa Lopez,
Rolling Stone,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
This is like taking a Conestoga wagon from the prairie to the desert.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
11 July 2025
-
But there's no denying the force of those would-be Fingers of God that terrorize the prairie, scooping up houses, tanker trucks, and, best of all, a mooing steer.—
EW Staff Published,
EW.com,
3 July 2025
Noun
-
Places like Antarctica, Tasmania, and New Zealand sometimes offer glimpses of the elusive southern lights, but one of the most compelling places to witness the celestial event is in Patagonia, the mountainous expanse that straddles southern Argentina and Chile.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
6 July 2025
-
Arizona, with its abundant sun, lack of oil and gas resources, open desert expanses and business-friendly policies, has been a leader in welcoming clean energy progress incentivized by Biden-era programs.—
Joan Meiners,
AZCentral.com,
3 July 2025
Adjective
-
Be honest about systems that are no longer serving their purpose.—
Forbes.com,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
The production noted how the work has continued to resonate with readers over the past decade, for its honest depiction of trauma recovery and the power of self-empowerment and love.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Plain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plain. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
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