plane 1 of 4

noun

ˈplān How to pronounce plane (audio)
Definition of planenext
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
Chief Critic Democratic Party consultant and former President Barack Obama’s ex-campaign adviser David Axelrod criticized the White House’s decision to use the old plane as a decoy with journalists on board. — Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026 Flames shot out of an American Airlines plane that struck birds while taking off from Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, forcing the aircraft to turn back and make an emergency landing. — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026 Bill Clinton’s White House used a similar plane-change maneuver in 2000. — Scott Nover, Washington Post, 11 Aug. 2026 Administration officials and members of the media unknowingly flew on a decoy plane — all part of an elaborate ruse prompted by an Iranian threat. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for plane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plane
  1. airplane
  2. level
  3. smooth
  4. fly
  5. aeroplane
  6. flat
  7. shave
  8. wing
Noun
  • Castlelake is a major lender to airlines and has leased airplanes to ‌about 200 carriers.
    — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Airlines must inspect the area on a schedule based on each airplane’s usage and repair any cracking before returning an affected airplane to service.
    — Pete Muntean, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of airplane
Adjective
  • This multi-level tale of the battle against oblivion made for one of the Previews’ highlights.
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Incumbents hesitated, but young and diverse civic-minded men and women jumped at a chance to compete on a level playing field for state offices.
    — Elona Vaisnys, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of level
Verb
  • Every instinct told me to step in, smooth it out, take some of the weight off.
    — Monica Cutia, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Brook actually recommends skipping volumizing sprays—which can make dense hair feel bulky—and instead smoothing a lightweight oil like Biolage All-In-One Multi-Benefit Oil through the lengths for shine and frizz control.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of smooth
Verb
  • When Aemond refuses to fight, Aegon conscripts him to fly to Tumbleton to deal with their uppity little brother.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Some more images show Kidman, Bullock, 62, King, 26, and Williams, 29, wearing flowing gowns while hooked onto wires, seemingly filming a scene that involves flying, in front of a blue screen.
    — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of fly
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
Definition of aeroplane
Adjective
  • Instead, pack blazers, dress shirts, and anything with structure in a garment bag, which requires fewer folds and lays flat.
    — Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The sleek, slip-on style instantly elevates the most basic outfit with that classic mule-meets-loafer design, while the flat bottoms provide all-day comfort.
    — Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of flat
Verb
  • With competition so fierce in the race to build and release the latest AI models however, the expediency of shaving off every possible drag on speed trumps all.
    — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Kath is competitive only about things that matter, like logging steps or shaving her legs, and the game had no bearing on her reality.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of shave
Verb
  • The color was also gently smudged below her lower lashes, winging ever so faintly upward at the outer corner.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 20 July 2026
  • In addition, if a yard near you is not managed, winged reproductives will fly off to start new colonies, and that can be in your garden.
    — Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 17 July 2026
Definition of wing

Browse Nearby Words

plan
plane
planed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Plane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plane. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on plane

Nglish: Translation of plane for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about plane

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