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
  • Far fewer people stay responsible when the work turns boring, unclear or inconvenient, and that's precisely when ownership surfaces.
    — Somdutta Singh, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Monocultures can be boring, but on the flipside, a huge collection of individual species looks like a busy bowl of potpourri.
    — Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2026
Definition of boring
Adjective
  • On the other side, the plumbing is being pushed toward neutral ground.
    — Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • For a more understated look, classic French tips, neutral ombré, and sheer pink designs offer a polished finish without feeling too bold.
    — Rebecca Norris, InStyle, 5 July 2026
Definition of neutral
Adjective
  • The light blue Jadaron is currently $627 on Manolo Blahnik’s website, as is the beige suede version.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 30 June 2026
  • The shiny designer puffer with the beige logo'd patch on the sleeve.
    — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Definition of beige
Adjective
  • On a nondescript street in Hackensack, New Jersey, inside a low-slung, former industrial complex, there’s a place that will—literally—change your perspective on perfume.
    — April Long, Allure, 24 June 2026
  • Despite the colorful appearance of the caterpillar, the adult moth is a nondescript brown.
    — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 20 June 2026
Definition of nondescript
Adjective
  • Shortly after the Big Bang, the universe was largely featureless and smooth.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 2 July 2026
  • The pieces are abstract but appear to show featureless human figures sitting atop globular, cloud-like shapes that float in the air.
    — Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 7 June 2026
Definition of featureless

Browse Nearby Words

vanguards
vanilla
vanish
See all Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Vanilla.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vanilla. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on vanilla

Nglish: Translation of vanilla for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vanilla

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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