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
Subsequent Maxine projects have also plumbed the problematic pasts of once-dominant brands with considerable access to key people involved. Katie Kilkenny, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Jan. 2025 Hobby The central kitchen remains a very simple space, featuring a slide-out 39-L electric cool box, sink plumbed to a 25-L fresh water tank via submersible pump, waste water roller tank and worktop. New Atlas, 23 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for plumb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plumb
Adjective
  • Juxtaposed with the shots of the children cheerfully collecting these portraits are the scenes of the utter devastation wrought by the war between Hamas and the Israel Defense Forces, which the United Nations says has claimed the lives of more than 48,000 Palestinians.
    Don Riddell, CNN, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The easy, breezy spring dresses this season exude utter femininity while empowering the wearer to walk with confidence and comfort — what more can women want for their wardrobe?
    Adam Mansuroglu, WWD, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The massive movement of water during El Niño can also result in vertical movement of heat throughout the ocean's layers.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Then identify the physical feats your ascent will require (e.g. 3,000-foot ascent with a 25-pound pack, 200 vertical feet of ice climbing, three pitches of 5.8 rock climbing) and set training check points in your calendar that match these goals.
    Sean McNally, Outdoor Life, 13 Mar. 2025
Adverb
  • However, his plans to go straight are threatened when his final heist spirals out of control, pulling him into a deadly game of survival against ruthless criminals—including the unhinged Bats (Jamie Foxx) and the wild coupling of Buddy (Jon Hamm) and Darling (Eiza González).
    Travis Bean, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Jordon Hudson, 24, Says ‘Love Is Not to Be Judged’ in Lengthy Valentine’s Day Post to Boyfriend Bill Belichick, 72 In one image, Hudson gracefully extends her left leg straight in the air with toes pointed.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
Adverb
  • With Chase now locked up for the next few years, the Bengals are fully focused on going after a title.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
  • In order to fully explore the full potential of the music and story universe of the project, the Paradiddle Pictures Guidance Award goes to the Magic Whistle.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2025
Adverb
  • All of this said, Monday’s moves did not immediately turn the Patriots into a playoff team.
    Chad Graff, The Athletic, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Almost immediately, his critics—including many fellow-Republicans—began to call him on his lies and cruelties, and to fact-check his evidence.
    Beverly Gage, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In my experience, this is especially true of first-time and passionate entrepreneurs who have not yet learned how to manage the teams that are so critical to building and scaling their business to keep up with competitors and constantly changing customer demands.
    Martin Zwilling, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Disney’s live-action film has become so fraught with controversy that the premiere on March 15 will be scaled back and exclude pesky, inquisitive press from the red carpet.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • When to Contact a Dermatologist Results from bacne treatment can take six to eight weeks to see, with complete clearing taking up to four months.
    Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2025
  • To learn more information on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
    Siena Gagliano, Allure, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This action will allow the Department of Defense to deploy active-duty and National Guard military to the southern border, erect barriers, and work on ways to take down enemy drones.
    Joseph Lawler, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 10 Feb. 2025
  • His head reached no higher on the bear than the middle of that mighty chest as the animal stood erect.
    Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 13 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Plumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plumb. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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