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
Relevance
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
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
-
Yes, the rich women went to Sedona on Sutton’s private plane, but before that there were a few scenes back in boring old Los Angeles.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Disease prevention should be boring, routine, expected, and easy to access.—
Uché Blackstock,
Time,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The long-sleeve polo sweater has elegant pearl buttons that pop against the sweater’s neutral color.—
Melony Forcier,
PEOPLE,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Bold prints and vibrant colors, think leopard platforms or colorful faux-fur heels, are the easiest way to inject personality and turn even the most neutral outfit into a head-turner.—
Erica Paige,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Strawberry-blonde woods, warm golden fixtures, and textured beige carpeting create a calm backdrop for floor-to-ceiling windows or sliding glass doors that open to the water.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Wyle wore a burgundy suit with a beige shirt and tie, while his wife dazzled in a gold sleeveless floor-length dress.—
Kayla Grant,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The score, a nondescript pop-synth mood (feat.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Rooms are elegant but nondescript, with only the basic necessities—a bed, a dresser, and bathrooms that could stand to be updated.—
Stefanie Waldek,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The leap into modernity can feel like sliding into a featureless void, in which every transaction of any sort becomes hard to distinguish.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
31 Dec. 2025
-
The most recent test campaign, captured in our image of the day, focused on software called Extended Robust Aerial Autonomy, designed to help future Mars rotorcraft navigate somewhat featureless terrain, which was the very challenge that caused problems for Ingenuity during its final flights.—
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry,
Space.com,
15 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vanilla.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vanilla. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
