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
As far as telling them apart, the big difference between a scullery and a butler's pantry is that a butler's pantry is not plumbed, where a scullery is. 3 Ways To Use A Scullery Not just used for dishwashing, the possibilities are endless for this second kitchen. Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2025 The 25-year-old Berklee College of Music grad who has spent the past four-plus years plumbing the tricky confluence of jazz, classical and pop is lauded as a Gen Z innovator in TIME magazine’s Women of the Year feature. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for plumb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plumb
Adjective
  • In utter disbelief, June responds by getting out of line and following the voice calling her name.
    EW.com, EW.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • In the name of utter indulgence, soak in your own private hot tub while tucking into one of the Whirlpool Casitas, a good way to loosen up after a day on the links.
    David Weiss, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Maintenance cleans include dusting, vacuuming, and mopping, cleaning of horizontal surfaces, and spot-cleaning of vertical surfaces such as walls and cabinet fronts.
    Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Adorn a retaining wall with a vertical planter Hang vibrant bucket planters to dress up an ordinary retaining wall.
    Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 18 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • Main Street turns into a different kind of valley, one that funnels them into a line straight toward the four men holding flame throwers, ready to mow them down.
    Sara Netzley, EW.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Albeit against an Ipswich side who look primed to go straight back down following the back-to-back promotions which took them from third-tier League One to the top flight, the attacking presence of White opened up the pitch.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • Keep your access fully charged for just $2.50 $1 per month for one year.
    Ben Dowsett, Wired News, 21 Apr. 2025
  • American Oversight originally filed its lawsuit over the use of Signal last month and secured an order requiring the Trump administration to preserve the messages; however, in the weeks since Judge James Boasberg issued his order, multiple Cabinet-levels have been unable to fully save the messages.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • These models are not immediately replacing user-facing interfaces like ChatGPT but are positioned as tools for developers building applications and services.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • China is under pressure to negotiate a deal whether the tariffs take effect immediately or in three months, Ackman said in a post on X.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Start small, solve a real problem, and scale strategically.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The Trump administration, among other things, has moved to close Social Security Administration field offices, cut funding for government health programs and scale back protections for transgender people.
    Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Newsom's office told Fox News Digital that the risk assessment will be complete on June 13, 2025.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The case will be reviewed by Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador once the investigation is complete, CBS affiliate KBOI reported.
    CBS News, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Rich and poor kids alike would put on hardhats and erect skyscrapers or build dams.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Their presence made for a refreshing break from the usual barricade that luxury hotels erect between locals and guests.
    Michael Snyder, Travel + Leisure, 15 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Plumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plumb. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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