PLANE Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'plane' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of plane are even , flat , level , and smooth . While all these words mean "having a surface without bends, curves, or irregularities," plane applies to any real or imaginary flat surface in which a straight line between any two points on it lies wholly within that surface. // the plane sides of a crystal

Q: When could 'even' be used to replace 'plane'?

While the synonyms even and plane are close in meaning, even applies to a surface that is noticeably flat or level or to a line that is observably straight. // trim the hedge so it is even

Q: When is it sensible to use 'flat' instead of 'plane'?

While in some cases nearly identical to plane , flat applies to a surface devoid of noticeable curvatures, prominences, or depressions. // the work surface must be flat

Q: Where would 'level' be a reasonable alternative to 'plane'?

The meanings of level and plane largely overlap; however, level applies to a horizontal surface that lies on a line parallel with the horizon. // the vast prairies are nearly level

Q: When might 'smooth' be a better fit than 'plane'?

In some situations, the words smooth and plane are roughly equivalent. However, smooth applies especially to a polished surface free of irregularities. // a smooth skating rink

plane 1 of 4

noun

ˈplān

Definition of plane next

as in airplane

a vehicle for traveling through the air that has fixed wings for lift a plane flew overhead

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

plane

2 of 4

adjective

as in level

having a surface without bends, breaks, or irregularities you can do these tracings on any plane surface

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

plane

3 of 4

verb (1)

as in to smooth

to make free from breaks, curves, or bumps planed the wood for the picnic table perfectly smooth so that no one would get splinters

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

plane

4 of 4

verb (2)

as in to fly

to move through the air with or as if with outstretched wings an eagle planed effortlessly overhead, gliding on an air current

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective plane contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of plane are even, flat, level, and smooth. While all these words mean "having a surface without bends, curves, or irregularities," plane applies to any real or imaginary flat surface in which a straight line between any two points on it lies wholly within that surface.

the plane sides of a crystal

When could even be used to replace plane?

While the synonyms even and plane are close in meaning, even applies to a surface that is noticeably flat or level or to a line that is observably straight.

trim the hedge so it is even

When is it sensible to use flat instead of plane?

While in some cases nearly identical to plane, flat applies to a surface devoid of noticeable curvatures, prominences, or depressions.

the work surface must be flat

Where would level be a reasonable alternative to plane?

The meanings of level and plane largely overlap; however, level applies to a horizontal surface that lies on a line parallel with the horizon.

the vast prairies are nearly level

When might smooth be a better fit than plane?

In some situations, the words smooth and plane are roughly equivalent. However, smooth applies especially to a polished surface free of irregularities.

a smooth skating rink

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 plane

Noun

Investigators piecing plane back together The recovery of the jet wreckage from the Potomac continues Wednesday as the possibility of sleet and snow returns to the Washington weather forecast. —

Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2025 More parts of the plane — which will also form pieces of the puzzle investigators are trying to solve — were pulled from the river Tuesday. —

Alexandra Banner, CNN, 5 Feb. 2025

Adjective

Plus this episode also delivers peak unhinged Lex while he's stranded on an island post-plane crash and suffering from malaria, which leads to a moment that teases his natural killer instincts that he's kept so well hidden from Clark, and the world, so far. —

Christian Holub, EW.com, 16 Oct. 2021 But those cars were powered by pushrod engines with conventional cross-plane cranks. —

Rich Ceppos, Car and Driver, 2 Oct. 2022

Verb

The inaugural yachts in the series were planing trawlers designed to navigate the high seas in style. —

Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2024 It’s not associated with weather systems or geographic features on the ground, and as its name suggests, essentially jostles planes around in otherwise clear skies. —

Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 2 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for plane

Recent Examples of Synonyms for plane

Noun

These types of experiments in partial gravity can be done on parabolic airplane flights, but those only provide a few seconds of the right conditions to simulate the Moon's gravity.

— Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 7 Feb. 2025
What: The exhibition will include works of art and memorabilia items as well as activities such as comic strip drawing, coloring, paper airplane making and photo opportunities.

— Dan Kelly, Kansas City Star, 6 Feb. 2025