plain 1 of 3

adjective

ˈplān How to pronounce plain (audio)
Definition of plainnext
Enter your own sentence containing plain , and get words to replace it.
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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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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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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

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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
Users ask questions in plain language and get answers instantly, Ashqar says. — Richard Collings, Axios, 25 Mar. 2025 All are what are known as plain vanilla devices, running stock versions of the Android and iOS operating systems. — Davey Winder, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Adverb
Nobody ever took a belt to Natalia and the allegations that she was 'beaten' are just plain false. — Randall Colburn, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2025 Everything about the relationship is just plain good TV: Matt’s confidence, Powell’s hubris, the dislike on the surface, and the burning, violent hatred below it. — Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
Its images of Pluto’s nitrogen-ice plains, mountain ranges, dunes and ice volcanoes showed the dwarf planet as a living world. — Jamie Carter, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 Onscreen, Juan Preciado, one of the protagonists, stood on a vast desert plain. — Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, 27 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
  • That simplicity feels so apt for this show, There's enough here: The production is simple and sweet, while Jonas and Warren exude a certain magnetism.
    — Shania Russell, EW.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Uncharacteristically for the times, a sincere and simple sentence in the active voice.
    — David Bezmozgis, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • Far too many left to get it on three without pure luck.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • To suggest that the cartels might import coca leaves to extract cocaine makes about as much sense as suggesting that someone would import Dom Perignon to secure by chemical processing pure extracts of ethyl alcohol.
    — Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of pure
Adjective
  • In a climate overcrowded with tiresome discourse, these seven Black women are carving their own lanes by being unapologetically outspoken, insightful and honest—and doing it with flair.
    — Essence, Essence, 28 Mar. 2025
  • On the state level, Maine officials have been the most outspoken over the refusal to comply with the federal law, resulting in a back-and-forth between the state and the Trump administration.
    — Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of outspoken
Adjective
  • Playing net-front is not as straightforward as going to the front of the net and standing there.
    — Arpon Basu, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Although cannabis impairment detection is not as straightforward as with alcohol, police are still able to identify it.
    — Tanya Mohn, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of straightforward
Adjective
  • Find the right dog kennel site This may seem obvious, but good site selection can mean the difference between a single workday and an entire holiday weekend.
    — Patrick Brady, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2025
  • The crony character of protectionism becomes obvious when examining the labyrinthine incoherence of U.S. trade policy.
    — David B. McGarry, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2025
Definition of obvious
Noun
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade Soil Type: Dry to Medium, Well-draining, Average Fertility Soil pH: Mildly Acidic to Neutral (6.0-7.2) Baptisia are tough prairie plants with a graceful appearance and showy blooms.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Here, winter routinely drops below –30°C, and snow buries the prairie for nearly half the year.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of prairie
Noun
  • Because nothing makes a space look larger than an expanse of glass, Jon and Allison blew out the wall that formerly held two closets.
    — Amy Panos, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Couldn’t be me; there’s liberation in being made small by indifferent expanses.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of expanse
Adjective
  • The current lawsuits still need to play out in the courts, but the cases have brought attention to the need for TV brands to be honest about the capabilities of their QD TVs.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Be honest about strategic intent: If the acquisition will eventually be fully integrated, communicate this from the beginning rather than creating false expectations of independence.
    — Jennifer J. Fondrevay, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of honest

Browse Nearby Words

plaided
plain
plainclothesman
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Cite this Entry

“Plain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plain. Accessed 10 Apr. 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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