Definition of no-frillsnext
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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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 no-frills This stew lets fresh-shucked oysters shine in a simple, no-frills broth. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 9 July 2026 The Seat The no-frills seats in economy have a hexagonal pattern and come with a basic pillow and blanket. Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026 Some view his dry, extremely no-frills delivery as a meme, but there’s a genuine despondency to his cadence and beat choices that hits home when his flows feel structured. Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 26 June 2026 The compact soundbar offers a no-frills design, even down to the remote. Carlos Mejia, PC Magazine, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for no-frills
Recent Examples of Synonyms for no-frills
Adjective
  • Remember, Slate’s promising something with no screens and crank windows; even Ford’s fairly spartan Maverick pickup has that spec sheet handily beat.
    Byron Hurd, The Drive, 24 June 2026
  • Was Kenzaburo Oe, for example, subjected to the same spartan toilet seat?
    Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • With the bulge-bracket firms the clear winners, choosing a VC has become simpler.
    Robert Frank, CNBC, 14 July 2026
  • The original historic rooms feature heavy drapery, regal-looking bed frames, and simple baths.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • In an almost level spot at the foot of the cliff was a gnarled fir that had found a pocket of rich volcanic soil in that austere place.
    Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 15 July 2026
  • Faivre’s utmost goal was changing the villa’s large, austere spaces into welcoming living areas—all while still respecting the building’s original, Brutalist vision.
    Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“No-frills.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-frills. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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