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
  • The bagels were utter perfection to my mind, taste buds and insidees, and a spell of satisfaction and euphoria took over.
    Michelle Greenwald, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • But the European agenda must also aim to reverse Gazans’ utter dependence on outside aid while enhancing reconstruction standards.
    Josep Borrell Fontelles, Foreign Affairs, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • While some programs featuring influencers and vertical excerpts of TV shows and movies are covered by union agreements, other projects don’t have those protections.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
  • If your small space is flanked by strong vertical fences or walls, the easiest solution is to cover the surface with plants.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
Adverb
  • Part 1 of the anime's first season premiered this past January and remained in the Global Top 10 for 10 weeks straight.
    Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 14 July 2025
  • Look straight ahead and take a large step forward with one leg, lowering your body slowly.
    Jakob Roze, Health, 14 July 2025
Adverb
  • Choose a pair that fully supports your foot, with no overhang at the heel, toes, or sides.2 If your sandals irritate your feet, don’t ignore that—instead, try another pair.
    Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 14 July 2025
  • Advertisement This vision did not fully come to fruition.
    Emi Eleode, Time, 14 July 2025
Adverb
  • China’s Foreign Ministry didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 8 July 2025
  • Medicaid cuts proposed in the sweeping budget bill could begin taking effect as early as Dec. 31, 2026, with some provisions kicking in immediately.
    Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Ether, the second-largest token, scaled a more than five-month top of $3,059.60, while XRP and Solana gained about 3% each.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
  • The rebuilt lodge sat on the foundation of the former and used many of the original's materials, but was scaled back in its design, removing a second story and observation tower that were part of the original, according to the National Park Service.
    Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Check out our complete list of the Best Prime Day TV deals for more recommendations.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 11 July 2025
  • The injury was severe -- a complete break across her femur with multiple fragments.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Cut plants back to the ground after flowering to avoid unwanted re-seeding. Name: Symphyotrichum novae-angliae Size: 3-6 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide Zones: 4-8 Swamp Milkweed The large clusters of pink or rose-purple flowers appear in summer at the tops of tall, erect stems.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2025
  • In the etching, the nun can be seen seated with her legs open while the three clergymen hold up their robes, revealing their erect penises.
    Jack Guy, CNN Money, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Plumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plumb. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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