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
Steeped in tradition, such companies offer rich histories to plumb. Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2025 Ayers’ career got a significant revival in the 1990s when, during hip-hop’s Golden Era, sample-minded emcees plumbed his ample catalog and worked his music into theirs. Christie D’zurilla, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for plumb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plumb
Adjective
  • Even more notable was the string of copycat series Survivor sparked, which caused an utter explosion for the genre as other networks raced to find its very own success story.
    Nick Caruso, TVLine, 27 May 2025
  • His mission was to keep the vibes high in the face of utter hopelessness.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • If there are grid lines on your windows, Weidenbaum recommends going with the horizontal line that lands closest to the vertical halfway point.
    Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 May 2025
  • Ateliers Horizons has dabbled in sound before, developing a first jukebox in 2019, as well as a boombox housing a vertical turntable.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
Adverb
  • The big Serbian, however, stared straight ahead of him, his face a mask of pure focus.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • Instead of refusing Trump’s ceasefire proposal straight away, the Russian president has been introducing new demands and blaming Kyiv for not accepting them.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 27 May 2025
Adverb
  • Colorectal cancer can take years to fully blossom, so the idea is that when these processes take hold in early childhood, cancer manifests at a younger and younger age.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2025
  • Quanta has invested $15 million in renovating the complex and creating extra stages and plans to have a total of 15 fully operational studios in Polo Rio by March 2026.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 27 May 2025
Adverb
  • Trump suspends refugee program for most, except Afrikaners Upon taking office, Trump immediately suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and ordered most potential refugees to remain in other countries.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • When asked who cooks at their house, Shelton, 48, immediately praised Stefani, 55.
    Marina Watts, People.com, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Rightly so, because the queue is an attraction unto itself – jaw-dropping, built to scale and packed with details from the films.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 27 May 2025
  • Tracking and Iterating: Use impact reporting to refine and scale programs effectively.
    Raghvendra Tripathi, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Researchers have long questioned the purpose of the artifact, which depicts a North African hunting scene, complete with warriors, a range of weaponry, lions and a hunting dog.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 24 May 2025
  • The Beats Studio Pro are wireless, over-ear headphones that offer a rich, well-balanced sound complete with head-tracking spatial audio.
    Cierra Cowan, PC Magazine, 24 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 4 Jun. 2025.

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