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
  • If both series were graphed using a single vertical axis, the (blue) intraday series would hug the horizontal axis.
    Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • This vertical plant support made from coconut fiber mimics the texture of tree bark, allowing climbing plants to attach their aerial roots and grow upwards.
    Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • Winners of 27 straight when leading at halftime, Florida (33-4) rode a second-half surge ending with six Gators in double-figures, led by Will Richard with 15.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Four straight free throws by Queen gave them a 28-27 lead — their first since that 2-0 opening — and two more lifted them to a 30-27 difference that would be their largest of the opening frame.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 28 Mar. 2025
Adverb
  • This can include supporting lending programs where individuals borrow devices as needed and ensure everyone has the tools to take part fully in the digital economy.
    Sumeet Grover, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
  • As of September, the prison employed 320 corrections officers, about 47 positions short of being fully staffed, according to the report.
    Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 26 Dec. 2024
Adverb
  • 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
  • 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
Verb
  • The trip was scaled back after pushback from Greenlandic and Danish officials.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Domestic Tension is shown as a room reproduced to scale, and though the museum shot far fewer than 65,000 paintballs at its walls, the presence of their yellow residue is chilling.
    Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • All of the demolition and earthwork is complete, and the structure of the new stand is already being put into place.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 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 21 Apr. 2025.

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