as in boring
lacking in distinctive features or qualities
a plain vanilla version of a song that's been recorded more times than necessary
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Recent Examples of vanilla
The court has ruled that the companies must develop a new product formula that does not include vanilla derived from non-vanilla plant sources within 12 months of the settlement’s finalization, according to the news release.
—
Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 30 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for vanilla
Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 30 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for vanilla
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vanilla
Adjective
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Shopping on a budget doesn't have to be boring.—
Averi Baudler,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
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For the boring old textbook reason of shifting interest rate differentials.—
Kelly Evans,
CNBC,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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This neutral boundary-setting phrase avoids unnecessary over-explaining.—
Kate Wieczorek,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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Up against one of the game’s best servers, the 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, Świątek’s lack of a release valve in tight moments and access to free points in more neutral ones led to a 7-5, 6-1 quarterfinal defeat.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Bessette-Kennedy appears composed and restrained, dressed in a black sweater paired with a beige Prada skirt, brown patent leather Prada boots, and her black Spazzolato Prada bag.—
Julia Rabinowitsch,
Vogue,
29 Jan. 2026
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Shoppers can choose from a plethora of colors, including neutrals such as light gray and beige, all of which are available in sizes from twin to oversized king.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The nondescript industrial buildings once hummed away largely behind the scenes, powering the various facets of our online lives.—
Sharon Goldman,
Fortune,
27 Jan. 2026
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Thanks to these venues – occupying a nondescript arcade between Elizabeth Street and Bowery – this small section of the Lower East Side exists as a food and beverage destination to compete favorably against any other in Manhattan.—
Brad Japhe,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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At a time when many classify Tesla’s austere and featureless interiors as luxurious, Volvo is trying to inject a different perspective into the market—one that relies not merely on leather, but also intricate textiles central to its Scandinavian heritage, including wool.—
Adam Ismail,
The Drive,
29 Jan. 2026
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In Dee’s day the site was featureless marshland.—
Hari Kunzru,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vanilla.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vanilla. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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