plates

noun

plural of plate
1
as in scales
a small thin piece of material that resembles an animal scale the tiny silver plates on the brooch are arranged to look like fish scales

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in diagrams
something that visually explains or decorates a text the book's color plate illustrates the internal organs of the human body

Synonyms & Similar 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 plates From plates and knives not being clean to flies stuck on traps, health inspectors in Missouri and Kansas found numerous violations at Kansas City-area restaurants last week. — Joseph Hernandez august 31, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026 Protein seems to be on everyone’s minds (and plates) these days, with many of us getting our fill from fish, beef, chicken, or plant proteins like beans, avocados, tofu, and tempeh. — Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 30 Aug. 2026 Direct-to-chip cooling solves this problem by circulating liquid through cold plates mounted on processors and other heat-producing components. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026 Each figure — including Rumi and Demon Jinu in the 2-Pack — come with two alternated face plates that can be interchanged with the main face of the figure. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Beckon, which first won a Michelin star in 2023, is known for its chef’s tasting menu, while Major Tom concentrates on small plates and an extensive champagne list. — Jonathan Shikes, Denver Post, 28 Aug. 2026 Employees went from the customer dining room to the kitchen, then handled clean plates of customer food to take to the customer skipped the step of washing their hands in the kitchen. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 The 1970s saw electronic detectors take over for photographic plates, increasing the detector sensitivity by an order of magnitude. — Don Figer, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 Rodent droppings on clean plates and live roaches near cut lettuce were among the violations that forced the state to temporarily close seven South Florida restaurants last week. — Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plates
  1. scales
  2. diagrams
  3. sheets
  4. graphics
  5. figures
  6. illustrations
Noun
  • Because the amount of charge scales with how far a drop slides and the coating’s ability to resist scales with its thickness, the effect has a limit.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026
  • That gives the partnership a route from materials research and experimental manufacturing toward processes that could eventually be demonstrated at production-relevant scales.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of scales
Noun
  • Rich Dad, Poor Dad is a hodgepodge of financial advice and confusing diagrams held together by anecdotes from Kiyosaki’s childhood.
    — Christopher Cox, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026
  • But then the control experiment was give the questions without showing the diagrams.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of diagrams
Noun
  • Linens & Hutch deep pocket sheets are durable, wrinkle-resistant and double-brushed for an ultra-soft, cozy feel.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Clad in reflective sheets of corrugated aluminum that extend six inches into the ground, the square structure invites curiosity.
    — Sean Santiago, Architectural Digest, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of sheets
Noun
  • The distinctly Finnish Marimekko In Finland, bold graphics have become the trademark of Marimekko, the company whose fabrics, housewares and fashions have been adding vibrant colors and design to the world for 75 years.
    — David Morgan, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The class also requires students to design, analyze and render complex 2D and 3D graphics, modeling, texturing, lighting and animation across multiple styles of video games.
    — Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of graphics
Noun
  • But Jarmond later worked with a search committee that included prominent UCLA figures Bob Myers, Adam Peters and Casey Wasserman on the hiring of Bob Chesney, who quickly injected hope and optimism into the football program.
    — Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The backlash went beyond online and reached political figures like New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, who sent The Met committee a letter urging them to reconsider honoring Galliano.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of figures
Noun
  • Written by Colin Meloy, best known as the frontman of the band The Decemberists, the book featured illustrations from his wife and children’s book illustrator, Carson Ellis.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Each volume is accompanied by black-and-white illustrations, poetry and new cover artwork.
    — Mya Copeland, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of illustrations

Browse Nearby Words

platefuls
plates
platform
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Plates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plates. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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