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
The German composer, whose work often plumbed the ancient past, came across them in 1934. Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025 His boundless contempt for it plumbed a new low with an executive order demanding, among other things, that everyone must show proof of citizenship before being allowed to register or update their voting registrations. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for plumb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plumb
Adjective
  • Today, dark matter and dark energy — together composing 95% of the contents of the universe — remain utter mysteries.
    Jenna Ahart, Quanta Magazine, 11 July 2025
  • This approach came into being several years ago after the Medical Board’s last confidential diversion system was deemed an utter failure and patients were harmed at the hands of struggling doctors.
    Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Amazon says its facility has added 130 jobs on the Space Coast since 2024, and ULA has added to the economic impact as well by building out at second vertical integration facility at SLC 41.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 July 2025
  • If one looks straight downward from Scorpius one encounters the teapot shape of stars that is Sagittarius; in mid southern latitudes the teapot shape is almost vertical.
    Jesse Emspak, Space.com, 24 July 2025
Adverb
  • No wonder so many Hollywood luminaries have been shipping their kids off to New England for nearly eight weeks every summer — far from the privilege and polish of L.A. life and straight into the land of lanyards and communal childhood trauma.
    Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 26 July 2025
  • This principle bypasses complex geopolitical narratives and cuts straight to the heart of shared humanity.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
Adverb
  • Once exposed, that kind of information is almost impossible to fully retrieve or erase: disappearing into the vastness of cyberspace.
    Chris Groshong, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • Jetted tubs can harbor more bacteria and aren't always disinfected fully, according to experts.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2025
Adverb
  • Then my boyfriend immediately called an ambulance, the police, everything.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 20 July 2025
  • Homicide Unit detectives are investigating the shooting, and a police spokesperson did not immediately describe details or announce an arrest.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • Faced with rising prices on everything from rent to groceries, many Michiganders are scaling back on summer travel.
    Adrienne Roberts, Freep.com, 27 July 2025
  • With the fires of inspiration stoked, Espinoza set out to scale his efforts.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • Construction is about 20% complete, and the building is on track to open for the 2026-27 school year, said Lippman, the CEO of Carmen Schools.
    Mia Thurow, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • During World War II, a small section was used as air raid shelters, complete with heavy fortified doors.
    Antonia Mortensen, CNN Money, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • The guardians stand erect, with arms crossed at their chests and relief-like musculature superimposed on their bodies.
    Melissa Harris, Artforum, 10 July 2025
  • Cut plants back to the ground after flowering to avoid unwanted re-seeding. Name: Symphyotrichum novae-angliae Size: 3-6 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide Zones: 4-8 Swamp Milkweed The large clusters of pink or rose-purple flowers appear in summer at the tops of tall, erect stems.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Plumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plumb. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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