as in simple
free from all additions or embellishment
we decided to buy the plain-vanilla model because we don't have a lot of money to spend on extras
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Recent Examples of plain-vanilla
As a FactSet researcher told The Wall Street Journal, a more efficient, though less satisfying, way to virtue-signal would be to buy a plain-vanilla index fund and donate the investment gains to a political cause.
—
semafor.com, 8 July 2025
Replacing the plain-vanilla look of the previous iteration, Alfa G’s black hull with a signature red stripe and white superstructure complete this remarkable conversion.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 10 June 2025
While the Federal Reserve began dialing back interest rates last fall, investors spent much of 2024 enjoying attractive yields on a range of plain-vanilla savings products.
—Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2025
While the Federal Reserve began dialing back interest rates last fall, investors spent much of 2024 enjoying attractive yields on a range of plain-vanilla savings products.
—Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2025
Even plain-vanilla index funds like the InfraCap MLP ETF (AMZA) deal with dividend declines; unlike traditional companies that will maintain a specific dividend level, MLPs’ distributions tend to shift with their profits.
—Brett Owens, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
Central bank policymakers embarked on their rate-hiking journey in March 2022, which had the pleasant side effect of boosting yields on a range of plain-vanilla investments, including Treasury bills and certificates of deposit.
—Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2024
The resolution was a plain-vanilla environmental proposal urging the company to work harder to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of its products and to be more transparent about the impact of its business on the climate.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2024
Vanguard pioneered this plain-vanilla, total-market approach with index funds with clear labels, like Vanguard Total Stock Market, Vanguard Total Bond Market and Vanguard Total International Stock Market.
—Jeff Sommer, New York Times, 10 May 2024
semafor.com, 8 July 2025
Replacing the plain-vanilla look of the previous iteration, Alfa G’s black hull with a signature red stripe and white superstructure complete this remarkable conversion.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 10 June 2025
While the Federal Reserve began dialing back interest rates last fall, investors spent much of 2024 enjoying attractive yields on a range of plain-vanilla savings products.
—Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2025
While the Federal Reserve began dialing back interest rates last fall, investors spent much of 2024 enjoying attractive yields on a range of plain-vanilla savings products.
—Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2025
Even plain-vanilla index funds like the InfraCap MLP ETF (AMZA) deal with dividend declines; unlike traditional companies that will maintain a specific dividend level, MLPs’ distributions tend to shift with their profits.
—Brett Owens, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
Central bank policymakers embarked on their rate-hiking journey in March 2022, which had the pleasant side effect of boosting yields on a range of plain-vanilla investments, including Treasury bills and certificates of deposit.
—Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2024
The resolution was a plain-vanilla environmental proposal urging the company to work harder to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of its products and to be more transparent about the impact of its business on the climate.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2024
Vanguard pioneered this plain-vanilla, total-market approach with index funds with clear labels, like Vanguard Total Stock Market, Vanguard Total Bond Market and Vanguard Total International Stock Market.
—Jeff Sommer, New York Times, 10 May 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plain-vanilla
Adjective
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Looking for their environmental DNA in scales, slime or skin cells that living beings shed all the time is a simpler way, Workman said.—
Madeline Heim,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025
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This involves flexible decision making beyond simple automation.—
Ian Gotts,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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But also take your time in crafting the perfect order of its plain pie — simply tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and basil — or its white pie — with fresh mozzarella, ricotta, butter, garlic, olive oil and basil.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
25 July 2025
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Across social media, we’re told drinking plain water is passe, subpar, and incredibly basic.—
Stephanie McNeal,
Glamour,
24 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Plain-vanilla.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plain-vanilla. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
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