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
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
Our plain-vanilla incentives are 35% plus a 2% to 4% percent kicker for diversity.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 20 Apr. 2024
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
Our plain-vanilla incentives are 35% plus a 2% to 4% percent kicker for diversity.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 20 Apr. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plain-vanilla
Adjective
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The simplest ideas in mathematics can also be the most perplexing.—
Leila Sloman,
Wired News,
29 June 2025
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And given that toppers were developed specifically as a lighter, simpler alternative to full-bodied campers, designed to fit within limited midsize truck payloads, that extra beef is a definite problem for some shoppers.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
28 June 2025
Adjective
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Opponents and legal scholars maintain that the plain meaning and historical intent of the 14th Amendment protect those children's citizenship, and federal courts have repeatedly ruled against the Trump administration's interpretation.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 June 2025
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Models were usually shot against plain studio backgrounds in heavy makeup and statement jewelry.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Plain-vanilla.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plain-vanilla. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
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