plain 1 of 3

adjective

ˈplān How to pronounce plain (audio)
Definition of plainnext
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

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2
as in pure
free from added matter I'd prefer my pasta plain, not flavored with tomato or spinach or anything else

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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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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

plain

2 of 3

adverb

as in openly
in an honest and direct manner told her plain that he loved her

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plain

3 of 3

noun

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

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2
as in expanse
a wide space or area the vast plains of snow-covered earth that seemed to stretch endlessly

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word plain distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of plain are candid, frank, and open. While all these words mean "showing willingness to tell what one feels or thinks," plain suggests outspokenness and freedom from affectation or subtlety in expression.

plain talk

When could candid be used to replace plain?

Although the words candid and plain have much in common, candid suggests expression marked by sincerity and honesty especially in offering unwelcome criticism or opinion.

a candid appraisal

When might frank be a better fit than plain?

In some situations, the words frank and plain are roughly equivalent. However, frank stresses lack of shyness or secretiveness or of evasiveness from considerations of tact or expedience.

frank discussions

How does the word open relate to other synonyms for plain?

Open implies frankness but suggests more indiscretion than frank and less earnestness than candid.

open in saying what they think

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 plain
Adjective
The unprotected database contained highly sensitive user and device information, including SSIDs and passwords stored in plain text, which could allow unauthorized users to access home networks. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 19 Feb. 2025 The envelopes were plain and pre-sealed, police said. —Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 18 Feb. 2025
Adverb
Well, that - that's just plain out ethnic cleansing and - and genocide. —CBS News, 9 Feb. 2025 Wrapping It Up Tech is making the cannabis industry more efficient, trustworthy, and just plain cool. —Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025
Noun
Beaumont is located about an hour and a half northeast of Houston near the state's border with Louisiana on the coastal plains. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 14 Feb. 2025 The maria are vast, solidified lava plains that formed between 3.2 billion and 3.6 billion years ago from volcanic activity. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 3 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for plain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plain
  1. simple
  2. pure
  3. outspoken
  4. straightforward
  5. obvious
  6. prairie
  7. expanse
  8. honest
Adjective
  • Prioritizing fitness amid a busy travel schedule, the former Radio City Rockette and The Talk host says her outlook is simple.
    — Meredith Lepore, Travel + Leisure, 1 Mar. 2025
  • But with a change as simple as adding a bistro table and chairs, these cozy nooks become inviting oases to use regularly.
    — Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • The finish is long, pure, and unadulterated, with lingering ripe red fruit notes.
    — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • There will be an all-electric Ferrari by then, and Ferrari’s strategy of hedging its bets by continuing with hybrid and pure internal-combustion drivetrains alongside its new electric model might look prescient.
    — Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of pure
Adjective
  • Schlossberg, who is late President John F. Kennedy’s grandson and an outspoken Democratic advocate, has previously criticized Kennedy Jr. for being vocal about his anti-vaccine perspective.
    — Carly Thomas, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Both Starmer and Macron have sought to balance their yearslong outspoken support for Zelenskyy with the need to retain good relations with the United States.
    — Rebecca Shabad, NBC News, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of outspoken
Adjective
  • The hardware seemed mature and ready to use today -- the process to snap on and take off is straightforward, and once connected the camera UI switches to the optical lens.
    — Ben Sin, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The mission, though, is much more straightforward: Explore the origins of the universe.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of straightforward
Adjective
  • This year organizers are acknowledging openly what’s been obvious for a while.
    — Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • There are more than a few scenes here where the substitution of stuntman for star is obvious.
    — Joe Leydon, Variety, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of obvious
Noun
  • Upstairs from the bar in the boarding house, lost souls confess their secrets to a prairie witch named the Antidote.
    — Lauren LeBlanc, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Go glamping surrounded by prairie grasslands here and hike and bike along 100 miles of lonely trails.
    — Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 21 Feb. 2025
Definition of prairie
Noun
  • Newsletter Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news Across the South Pole’s frozen expanse, there lives only one purely terrestrial animal: a tiny insect called the Antarctic midge.
    — Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Even along the relatively mild coasts, where summer temperatures hover just below freezing, the land is a barren expanse of rock, ice and snow.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of expanse
Adjective
  • But to be honest the significant immune support is more than enough to keep me taking it.
    — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Without fair elections, an honest media environment and a credible opposition, voters can’t correct their country’s course at the ballot box, providing competitive authoritarian regimes little incentive to do anything but enrich themselves.
    — Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of honest

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Cite this Entry

“Plain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plain. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on plain

Nglish: Translation of plain for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about plain

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