plane 1 of 4

Definition of planenext

plane

2 of 4

adjective

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

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

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

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
The narrow-body, medium-range plane’s low fuel demands are a major draw for carriers amid warnings of impending shortages. Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 28 Apr. 2026 The Swede fell for not only the sunshine but also the possibilities, and since then he co-founded the country’s first sea-plane outfit and looks after nine other hotels. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
In 2021, a man planed to propose to his girlfriend during a romantic gondola ride in Las Vegas, with passersby stopping to watch and record the sweet moment. Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025 The Magellano’s Dual Mode Hull, a signature feature that has been on the vessels since the series started, is a semi-planing hull with a vertical bow. Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for plane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plane
Noun
  • Doctors are worried about blood clots and radiation, both of which can be more intense and severe while on an airplane, according to the Mayo Clinic.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
  • At the heart of the special is Anjelah’s journey into motherhood in her 40s, as the comedian opens up about personal struggles with fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum life, while touching on the universal themes of relationships, generational shifts, and fighting people on airplanes.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Dane Lafrey’s magnificent, multi-level design makes maximum use of the Palace’s cavernous stage to create a lair to die for.
    Frank Rizzo, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026
  • By layering macro-level route planning with micro-level real-time reasoning, the platform enables the vehicle to interpret and respond to dynamic environments with greater nuance.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The occasional booing of famous England players has been an integral part of the Wembley experience over the years, almost as commonplace as paper aeroplanes.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2026
  • No distractions, no aeroplanes, no noise, no traffic.
    Emma Banks, InStyle, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • This Oxo spinner remains one of the most reliable options, with a smooth pump mechanism and sturdy construction that holds up better than most.
    Jennifer Zyman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Starmer — who is facing relentless domestic criticism over a flailing economy and his appointment of the disgraced Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington, while grappling with a surging far-right opposition — will be praying for a smooth visit.
    Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The telltale signature of abundant dust lies within the galaxy’s continuum of ultraviolet light, which has a relatively flat slope as a result of absorption from the dust.
    Jenna Ahart, Scientific American, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Workers boxed together two-by-twelves as forms and poured concrete, raising a tower 65 feet above the flat Eastern Plains.
    Kevin Strong, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Focus on flat ledges and horizontal trim where dust settles most heavily.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Cut a horizontal pocket in each chop by cutting horizontally from the fat side almost to bone on opposite side.
    Maddy Bendgen, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The exact reasons are often left vague, and the successors to be determined, but people are leaving.
    Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The exact number of beds that will be added has yet to be determined.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Plane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plane. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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