plain Jane 1 of 2

noun

Definition of plain Janenext
as in everywoman

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plain-Jane

2 of 2

adjective

as in plain

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Dissimilar Words

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 Jane
Noun
Sure, there’s the plain Jane staples, but Fat Patty also offers a variety of specialty burgers. — Renee Umsted, Charlotte Observer, 16 May 2025 Jane starts off literally like plain Jane, very sweet and wholesome. — EW.com, 25 Feb. 2025 This means that even your plain Jane, vanilla cookie lover will enjoy this cookie as much as the anything-goes cookie enthusiast. — Elizabeth Karmel, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2022 The relationship is actually quite a bit more plain Jane than a lot of other relationships in the show. — David Viramontes, Los Angeles Times, 23 Nov. 2022 Peer through their five spokes, and the standard cast-iron rotors and black calipers look plain Jane to those used to slotted discs and colorful binders, but there's always Porsche's $8970 ceramic composite brake option. — Elana Scherr, Car and Driver, 6 Apr. 2022
Adjective
Unlike plain-Jane business conferences that focus on tactics or transactions, the best leadership gatherings expose you to ideas that stretch your assumptions. — Robert B. Tucker, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026 Much has been said about Bella's plain-Jane persona, but Stewart's earnest performance vivifies the character with a plucky yet lovesick duality that also grounds the film's lofty fantasy sequences. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025 What about plain-Jane organic sheep who’ve been hijacked by a grapefruit-size eyeball with tentacles? — Chris Klimek, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025 And while your Christmas tree might ordinarily be decked out with plain-Jane trimmings or classic tinsel, Walmart has the iconic Hallmark ornaments that will not only remind you of the good old days but spice up your decor. — Megan Schaltegger, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Dec. 2024 The Romans christened it Insula Minor, Lesser Island, as if forever bequeathing it plain-Jane status next to Ibiza and Mallorca, its alluring Balearic sisters. — Stephanie Rafanelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 May 2023 Although our lens is very focused on what’s dope and not just the inline plain-Jane black Authentics or Old Skools. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plain Jane
  1. everywoman
  2. plain
  3. commoner
  4. typical
  5. proletarian
  6. homely
  7. John Doe
  8. familiar
Noun
  • Instead of commemorating the past, Self wanted to represent the contemporary everywoman.
    — Tanya Fevzi, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Sara Bareilles grounds the action as the everywoman at the show’s center, with Busy Philipps and Paula Pell inhabiting every hilarious corner of their outsized characters.
    — Sara Netzley, Entertainment Weekly, 2 July 2026
Definition of everywoman
Adjective
  • On the fall 2026 runways, romantic clothes arrived styled like everything else in your closet—a lace skirt with a cotton shirt, a gown with a combat boot, a ruffled collar over plain velvet trousers—and the shift is visible on the street too.
    — Laurence Goldberg, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Refrigerated tortellini is one of the fastest ways to turn plain broth into a satiating, delicious meal.
    — Danielle Bouchard, Martha Stewart, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of plain
Noun
  • Previously, princesses who marry a commoner had to renounce their royal status and leave the royal family.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The former couple had broken up in 1955, as Margaret weighed losing her royal income and claim to the throne against marrying Townsend (a commoner and divorcé).
    — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of commoner
Adjective
  • However, the test took place entirely on urban roads in mild weather, conditions that favour EV efficiency and do not reflect typical highway driving or winter use.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The One Block Down x Air Max 95 OG Big Bubble Lux features a full premium leather upper, replacing all of the typical Air Max 95 materials including its signature synthetic suede and mesh.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of typical
Noun
  • Now artists, who had only recently emerged as solo entrepreneurs, reverted to their erstwhile status as proletarians—indeed, as migrant workers.
    — Diedrich Diederichsen, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2025
  • Fundamentally, the proletarian forfeits not so much income as individual freedom and the sovereignty of his or her class.
    — Benjamin Kunkel, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of proletarian
Adjective
  • Prefer to watch your football in more homely surroundings at a venue that might be a little imperfect but offers a bit more character?
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • L'Apogée Courchevel L'Apogée Courchevel L'Apogée Courchevel L'Apogée Courchevel This 55-room Oetker Hotel atop the former Olympic ski jump was collaboratively designed by India Madhavi and Joseph Durand, a charming fairytale cottage of cozy corners and homely touches.
    — Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
Definition of homely
Noun
  • Several plaintiffs who initially filed under Jane and John Doe pseudonyms were ordered by judges to reveal their identities, prompting some to withdraw their cases altogether.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026
  • John Doe Chinaman has been shortlisted for the 2026 Cundill History Prize.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of John Doe
Adjective
  • The answer is that there are some cases where quantum waves interfere constructively and give rise to a pattern familiar from classical physics.
    — Philipp Strasberg, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • For experienced yogis, doing yoga from a chair can offer new ways to explore familiar movements, says Pate, who incorporates a chair into many of her regular yoga classes.
    — Jennifer Heimlich, Time, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of familiar

Browse Nearby Words

plainclothesmen
plain Jane
plain-Jane
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Cite this Entry

“Plain Jane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plain%20Jane. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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