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plain

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adverb

plain

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noun

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 last shot is a plain trailer closet door, cracked open. Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 27 June 2025 Investing in arts and culture is good policy — plain and simple. Megan Beyer, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025
Adverb
If some of Meghan Markle’s other social media posts have bordered on cringe, well, this one is just plain cute…. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 16 June 2025 Active Time: 30 mins Total Time: 40 mins Anybody can grill a plain hot dog, but these spicy-crunchy dogs are something special. Josh Miller, Southern Living, 13 June 2025
Noun
Best time frame for eastern plains will be 3 PM - 7 PM. Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025 But while the vents have remained inactive and dormant for tens of millions of years or more, the satellite retains evidence of its once volatile past – evidence that includes caves, plains, and teeny tiny glass beads that glisten and shimmer on the moon’s rocky surface. Rosie McCall, Discover Magazine, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for plain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plain
Adjective
  • The simplest ideas in mathematics can also be the most perplexing.
    Leila Sloman, Wired News, 29 June 2025
  • The director similarly molds F1 around his star’s more reluctant image: Pitt portrays a man of few words who seems nostalgic for simpler times in his industry.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • As Electrek points out, the E-VO isn't a pure Honda product.
    Utkarsh Sood June 29, New Atlas, 29 June 2025
  • Add in the pure creativity and skill of Lucas Raymond and Alex DeBrincat (legit competitors in their own rights, albeit in smaller bodies), and the two-way play of Dylan Larkin and Nate Danielson, and the future forward lineup starts to look pretty balanced.
    Max Bultman, New York Times, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • While Trump was weighing the decision to strike Iran's nuclear sites, Vance came to the president's defense after supporters like Tucker Carlson and those in the MAGA base were outspoken against the U.S. getting involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran.
    Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 5 July 2025
  • Most outspoken were the parents of Kaylee Goncalves, who worked this week to inspire supporters to call the judge, the U.S. Department of Justice and Gov. Brad Little’s office to force Kohberger’s capital murder trial to proceed, in pursuit of a possible death sentence.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • This was a more straightforward implementation than expected.
    Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Photo Credit: Emma Falk Via The Chicago Sky Lee advised the group to be straightforward and authentic and to maximize their time.
    Essence, Essence, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Consolidation by the end of the decade The future of other brands is less obvious, but consolidation among the mainstream brands is likely before the end of the decade.
    Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The harmful consequences to the economy and food supply is obvious.
    Billal Rahman Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Earthworms are essential for organic matter decomposition and soil health in gardens, forests, prairies and farmland.
    Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
  • The tribe plans projects to create healthier stream habitats for fish, and to restore meadows and prairies.
    Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • Places like Antarctica, Tasmania, and New Zealand sometimes offer glimpses of the elusive southern lights, but one of the most compelling places to witness the celestial event is in Patagonia, the mountainous expanse that straddles southern Argentina and Chile.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2025
  • Arizona, with its abundant sun, lack of oil and gas resources, open desert expanses and business-friendly policies, has been a leader in welcoming clean energy progress incentivized by Biden-era programs.
    Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • Jamie Lee Curtis got honest about her cosmetic procedures in the hopes of dissuading women from making the same mistake.
    Maria Yagoda, People.com, 5 July 2025
  • Maybe the most important feature of actual freedom is the ability to make honest and fair criticism of your country, something which feels more and more taboo.
    Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 4 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Plain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://x0upouf933.proxynodejs.usequeue.com/thesaurus/plain. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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