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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The boring lunch ends boringly, with the women sipping their champagne in silence, tucking into their salads, and ignoring the commemorative glasses that no one wanted.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
13 Feb. 2026
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This sounds like a boring event but the boys turn the act of breaking up ice or sleet sheets from the sidewalk into a hockey-like competition.—
Caleb Harris,
Austin American Statesman,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Creeping thyme likes a soil pH that is neutral to slightly alkaline.—
David Beaulieu,
The Spruce,
11 Feb. 2026
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The driving force behind that challenge for Texas was the Red River Rivalry game against the Sooners, which is played at a neutral site but accounted for one of the Longhorns’ four allotted SEC home games in 2025.—
David Eckert,
Austin American Statesman,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Serendipity includes rich fabrics in various shades of brown and gray, Luxura combines copper tones with elegant leather headboards and mother of pearl accents, and Loft has bright white walls, beige details, minimalistic furniture, and original wooden beams.—
Meredith Bethune,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Feb. 2026
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Nature inspires Diamond Denim’s color palette of brown, beige and olive.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Robert drove Jane to a nondescript clinic in the Valley.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Feb. 2026
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But even nondescript coves take on grandeur in Finland.—
Boris Fishman,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Objects that were invisible to Hubble are easily revealed to JWST; objects that appear blurry to Hubble appear sharp with JWST views; objects that appeared featureless to Hubble have many clear features visible within them as seen by JWST.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
4 Feb. 2026
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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
Cite this Entry
“Vanilla.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vanilla. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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