NYT Dictionary

PLAINLY

/ˈpleɪnli/
AdverbPLAIN-lyplain-ly · 2 syllablesGrade 12

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2023, 2025

Meaning

In a plain manner; simply; basically.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English

From Middle English playnly, pleinly, pleyneliche, equivalent to plain + -ly.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

expresslyunambiguouslyobviouslyevidentlymanifestlypatentlyapparentlyplainsimplyalone

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles:

Join the Spelling Bee Community

Get solving strategies, rare word lists, and puzzle tips in your inbox every week.