vanilla

adjective

Definition of vanillanext
as in boring
lacking in distinctive features or qualities a plain vanilla version of a song that's been recorded more times than necessary

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vanilla
  1. boring
  2. neutral
  3. beige
  4. nondescript
  5. featureless
Adjective
  • Now the seven most boring, starting with the most tolerable (comments edited for grammar and clarity).
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026
  • It’s been a boring week for Makyah, who’s in third grade at Banneker Elementary.
    — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of boring
Adjective
  • Similarly, Roderick Crooks has demonstrated that Ed Tech’s algorithmic systems are not race-neutral.
    — Kaliris Salas-Ramirez, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The Angle Wedge Pillow's distinctive triangular shape cradles your legs and knees at a precise 45-degree angle to relieve tension in your back, while the Knee-T keeps legs, hips and spine in a neutral position to reduce pressure on your lower back.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of neutral
Adjective
  • The interiors lean breezy and beige—more Greek island than typical Dalmatian stone—with white walls and light cream tones.
    — Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 17 Aug. 2026
  • David opted for a similarly sunny and light look, wearing a butter yellow tee shirt and matching shorts, tan boat shoes, and a beige cap.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of beige
Adjective
  • Only 6-1 but fast and athletic, Willis was a third-round pick in a bad NFL Draft for quarterbacks in 2022, the third passer taken after nondescript Kenny Pickett and Desmond Ridder.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 10 Aug. 2026
  • After all the glowing testaments to his character, the apartment was startlingly nondescript.
    — Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of nondescript
Adjective
  • Last year, Hershey prevailed in a lawsuit that claimed Reese's featureless Halloween pumpkins were a consumer letdown.
    — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The largely featureless landscape is crucial because NASA technicians know exactly how much reflected light satellites’ optical instruments should see in the area.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of featureless

Browse Nearby Words

vanguards
vanilla
vanish
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Cite this Entry

“Vanilla.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vanilla. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on vanilla

Nglish: Translation of vanilla for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vanilla

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