NO-FRILLS Synonyms: 19 Similar and Opposite Words

no-frills

adjective

ˈnō-ˈfrilz

Definition of no-frills

as in spartan

providing only the essentials and nothing fancy or luxurious a low-cost, no-frills vacation during which we camped out and cooked our own meals

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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 no-frills Originally called Highland House, the bar opened in 1873 and has been slinging beers in a no-frills atmosphere ever since. — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 31 July 2026 Tony tries drowning his sorrows at the bar of the Flagship, a no-frills seafood eatery run by a man identified only as Chef (Antonio Banderas). — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026 Large and luxurious tiny houses are all well and good, but the Fairfax 20' draws on the small living movement's modest roots with a compact, no-frills model that's currently up for sale for just US$33,700. — Adam Williams july 19, New Atlas, 19 July 2026 This no-frills outfit foundation leaves room for playful accessorizing. — India Roby, Glamour, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for no-frills

Recent Examples of Synonyms for no-frills

Adjective

But as days turn to weeks, and a spartan Christmas gives way to a very unhappy new year, the family must consider the possibility that this is a grim new normal.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
The rooms might be described as spartan, but alcohol flowed freely, sports and activities were abundant, and stays were eminently affordable.

— Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of spartan

Adjective

Abernathy Greenway Park walk with Trees Atlanta Take a walk through the park with a Trees Atlanta docent, who will teach simple tricks for telling trees apart and share stories about why trees are important and how to protect them.

— Mary Caldwell, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026
The Oldest Person in the World takes an ostensibly simple premise and explores its deeper resonance.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of simple

Adjective

The conventional view holds that the main architects of European integration were the Frenchmen Jean Monnet, a mild-mannered, mustachioed Cognac merchant and banker, and Robert Schuman, an austere, devoutly Catholic statesman from Lorraine.

— Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
The 19-foot statues, called The Arts of War, were once easy to miss but now look a bit like oversized children’s trophies, especially next to the classical and austere Lincoln Memorial.

— Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of austere

Browse Nearby Words

noetic

no-frills

noggin

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“No-frills.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-frills. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of no-frills

adjective

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