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
Even the most basic plain-vanilla checking account carries an underlying cost for transaction processing and maintenance, estimated between $200 and $400 annually.
—
Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 2025
By blending plain-vanilla money funds with blockchain rails, the firm is proving that tokenization is not just a theory but a functioning business model.
—Christer Holloman, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Your dingy, plain-vanilla concrete drive can be transformed to a stunning art piece by installing a thin cement stucco coating.
—Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 2 Aug. 2025
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
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
Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 2025
By blending plain-vanilla money funds with blockchain rails, the firm is proving that tokenization is not just a theory but a functioning business model.
—Christer Holloman, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Your dingy, plain-vanilla concrete drive can be transformed to a stunning art piece by installing a thin cement stucco coating.
—Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 2 Aug. 2025
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plain-vanilla
Adjective
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This simple taupe geometric style peel-and-stick wallpaper is affordable, easy to apply, and looks gorgeous without being too bold or loud.—
Brittney Morgan,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Jan. 2026
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The simple addition of zipper detailing adds a preppy energy to the top.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Look for urea-free fertilizer that helps the plant absorb nitrogen more efficiently, and make sure to flush out the potting medium with plain water each month to prevent salt buildup that can harm the roots.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The goats prefer their trees plain.—
Noel Brennan,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Plain-vanilla.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plain-vanilla. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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