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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Example Sentences
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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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Despite looking like a fighter pilot who could win a game of dogfight football, Colin isn’t framed as a temptation for Marissa, and a lack of sexy secrets proves to be a recurring blind spot for the series, even if those two have plenty of other skeletons in their massive, boring closets.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
6 Nov. 2025
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All this after Fern just wanted to renovate her boring bookseller life by starting over next to her orc pal Viv’s coffee shop!—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The interior designer’s Wayfair rug collection with Loloi includes so many options in neutral shades and subtle patterns that complement a variety of home styles, including modern, farmhouse, and traditional aesthetics.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
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The boots also have vivid contrast stitching that offsets the neutral shoe colors, adding a touch of personality to an otherwise versatile boot.—
Melony Forcier,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Creamy beige and white walls run throughout, as do natural materials such as wood and veined stone.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
4 Nov. 2025
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Christina wore a more masculine outfit, a beige suit, with her hair slicked back.—
James Marcus,
New Yorker,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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For example, a test site of Shaanxi Aerospace in Sanyuan county, which sits in remote mountains near Xi’an, looks nondescript.—
Tamara Qiblawi,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
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In fact, the Blackhawks’ nondescript 6-3 loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday night was a reminder that as far as the Blackhawks have come, there’s still so much farther to go.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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That’s the way the North Country is, featureless, thick with trees and broken only by potholes where deer water and beavers swim.—
Joel M. Vance,
Outdoor Life,
29 Oct. 2025
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Gardner carted his supplies to this featureless patch of earth near the fort, set up his tripods and cameras, and then arranged his dark tent nearby, out of sight of the camera’s lens.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vanilla.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vanilla. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.
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