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
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
-
Chris wore a simple navy blue polo shirt and khaki shorts combo, while Alexa showed off her growing bump in a white and blue floral dress — along with an Olympic logo necklace to complete her maternity style.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
11 July 2025
-
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
Adjective
-
Happening in early May, the festival’s events are pure Americana.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
11 July 2025
-
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
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
-
Consolidation by the end of the decade The future of other brands is less obvious, but consolidation among the mainstream brands is likely before the end of the decade.—
Neil Winton,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
But for me, the biggest thing is the collaborations, which are so obvious.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
30 June 2025
Noun
-
Earthworms are essential for organic matter decomposition and soil health in gardens, forests, prairies and farmland.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
-
The tribe plans projects to create healthier stream habitats for fish, and to restore meadows and prairies.—
Ian James,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 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
-
Jamie Lee Curtis got honest about her cosmetic procedures in the hopes of dissuading women from making the same mistake.—
Maria Yagoda,
People.com,
5 July 2025
-
Maybe the most important feature of actual freedom is the ability to make honest and fair criticism of your country, something which feels more and more taboo.—
Suzanne Nuyen,
NPR,
4 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Plain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plain. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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